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Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 11 reviews

Monster Cookie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of two beloved treats: a rich, creamy chocolate cheesecake layer nestled between the thick, chewy layers of monster cookie dough packed with oats, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and M&M’s. These bars offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors—sweet, nutty, and chocolaty—making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

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For the Cookie Crust:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup quick cooking oats
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 cup M&M’s candies, divided

For the Cheesecake:

  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 ounces semisweet baking chocolate, melted
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with aluminum foil and spray it lightly with nonstick baking spray to ensure easy removal later.
  2. Make the Cookie Crust: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars together until light and fluffy. Add the creamy peanut butter and continue to beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then beat in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together salt, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and quick cooking oats. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, beating slowly until fully incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips and three-quarters of the M&M’s candies by hand to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
  4. Form the Base Layer: Press half of the cookie dough evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this base layer for 5 minutes to start the crust, then remove it from the oven—this helps it set before adding the cheesecake layer.
  5. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the granulated sugar and continue beating until fully combined. Slowly beat in the melted semisweet chocolate until the cheesecake mixture is uniform. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated without overmixing.
  6. Assemble the Bars: Pour and spread the chocolate cheesecake batter evenly over the partially baked cookie crust. Crumble the reserved remaining cookie dough evenly over the cheesecake layer to create the top layer.
  7. Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars for 30 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until the cookie dough on top is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set and no longer jiggles.
  8. Add Final M&Ms and Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Immediately sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of M&M candies on top and press them gently into the warm bars to prevent cracking and keep them visually appealing. Let the bars cool at room temperature for about one hour.
  9. Refrigerate and Serve: Once cooled, place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until completely chilled and set. Once cold, lift the bars out using the foil and cut them into 24 squares before serving.

Notes

  • M&M’s candies can crack if exposed to high heat for too long; adding them on top after baking preserves their color and shape.
  • This recipe uses a chocolate cheesecake layer, but a regular plain cheesecake layer also works well if preferred.
  • For those with peanut allergies, the cookie dough can be substituted with your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough, though it will not have the classic ‘monster cookie’ flavor.
  • Make sure eggs are fully incorporated into the cheesecake batter, but avoid overmixing to keep the texture smooth.

Nutrition

Keywords: monster cookie cheesecake bars, chocolate cheesecake bars, peanut butter cookie bars, dessert bars, baked cheesecake bars, layered bars

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/monster-cookie-cheesecake-bars-recipe/