SNICKERDOODLE CHEESECAKE BARS

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
2. Prepare the Crust:
   • In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
3. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
   • In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined and smooth.
4. Assemble the Bars:
   • Spread half of the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
   • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly.
   • Drop spoonfuls of the remaining crust mixture over the cheesecake layer, gently spreading it out as evenly as possible.
5. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
   • In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the bars.
6. Bake the Bars:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and the edges are lightly golden.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For easier cutting, you can chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour or two.

Tips

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.
• You can adjust the amount of cinnamon in the topping according to your taste preference.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Enjoy your Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars!