Day 72: Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Status: Homemade

Satisfaction: 10+!

Should I even try and explain what's happening in this sinful amalgamation?

1. Light Cinnamon-y Crust

2. Creamy Cheesecake Filling

3. Chocolate Chip Cookies

= This is so good, it should probably be illegal. In fact, it probably is.

I started with a cinnamon graham cracker crust (classic cheesecake base!) and worked my way into the fluffy cheesecake layer while the crust was baking. Then--since we've got to get in the best of all worlds here--I topped it with a chocolate chip cookie dough strudel-esque topping (egg-free! Just in case you're tempted to eat it before it goes in the baking pan...not that I'm speaking from personal experience or anything). So essentially, you're biting into a grahamcrackercrustcheesecakefilledchocolatechipcookiebar. 

Try saying that ten times fast. Or better yet, close your mouth (which, I'm sure, is expending copious amounts of saliva) and try this recipe (below the cut)!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH CHEESECAKE BARS

Yield: 9x9-inch baking pan
Adapted from Brandy's Baking.

Graham Cracker Crust

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/3 cup sugar

5 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until slightly crumbly. Pat gently into a greased 9x9-inch baking pan.

3. Bake crust for 6-7 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool while making cheesecake filling and cookie dough.

Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Ingredients:

14 oz. (or 1.5 8 oz. blocks) cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon sugar

1 egg, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions: 

1. Cream together cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

2. Add egg and vanilla extract. Beat in until just incorporated.

3. Spoon cheesecake mixture over cooled crust.

Egg-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Ingredients:
5 tablespoons butter or margarine, room temperature
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

3 tablespoons white sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup flour

2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Keep oven preheated at 325 degrees.

2. Cream together butter, sugars, salt, and vanilla until well-blended.

3. Add flour and mix only until incorporated. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Sprinkle dough by small chunks on top of cheesecake filling; press gently into filling.

Finishing Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars:

1. Bake entire delectable layered treat (crust, cheesecake, and cookie dough) for 25-30 minutes, or until filling is relatively set. It should jiggle very little it you give the pan a light shake.

2. Allow to cool before transferring to the refrigerator. Allow bars to refrigerate overnight until firm, then cut into squares and enjoy!