Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

Who can resist the heavenly fusion of snickerdoodles and cheesecake? Certainly not me! That’s why I’m thrilled to share a dessert that promises to dazzle your taste buds: Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars. This delightful treat combines the soft, cinnamon-sugar goodness of a snickerdoodle cookie with the creamy, indulgent texture of cheesecake, all nestled atop a crunchy graham cracker and pecan crust. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a special treat for the family, or simply indulging in a little dessert creativity, these bars are set to impress.

Crafting these bars involves a journey through layers of texture and flavor, starting with a buttery base followed by a rich cheesecake center, and topped with a light, fluffy snickerdoodle cookie layer. Each bite offers a crunch from the pecans, the sweetness of the cinnamon, and the tang of the cream cheese, making it an irresistible combination. Not only are they a joy to make, but the joy they bring to those who get to enjoy them is even greater.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. The process is straightforward, requiring basic baking ingredients and a little bit of patience as the magic happens in the oven. The result is a pan full of bars that look as decadent as they taste. So, let’s dive into the details of how you can create these delectable Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars right in your own kitchen.

Recipe for Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full size grahams)
• 1/2 cup Fisher chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 packages (8oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

For the Snickerdoodle Layer:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup Fisher chopped pecans

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

1. Prepare: Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Make the Crust: In a food processor, blend graham crackers, pecans, and sugar until fine. Mix in melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish.
3. Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon until fluffy and smooth (about 3-4 minutes). Pour this over your crust.
4. Snickerdoodle Dough: In another bowl, cream together butter and sugar. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well. Incorporate baking powder, salt, flour, and cinnamon. Fold in pecans. Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the cheesecake layer and gently spread to cover.
5. Add Topping: Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the cookie dough.
6. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The center may jiggle slightly but the top should be browned and set.
7. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Cut into squares and serve.

These Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert, they’re an experience, blending the cozy warmth of cinnamon with the luxurious smoothness of cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, or no occasion at all, they are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process and the outcome, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!

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