FROSTED ANIMAL COOKIE CHEESECAKE BARS RECIPE

Calling all admirers of frosted circus animal cookies who have grown up savoring them. It's time to reimagine a beloved childhood treat with an elevated twist of infusing them in a buttery and melt-in-mouth cheesecake.

Prep:
30
minutes
Cook:
40
minutes
TOtal:
70
minutes

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

For the filling:

  • 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup chopped frosted animal cookies
  • 1/4 teaspoon pink food coloring

For the pink vanilla bean glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Optional toppings:

  • Pink chocolate drizzle
  • Sprinkles

Instructions

For the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  3. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create the crust.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then set it aside to cool.

For the Filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and pink food coloring. Mix until well combined.
  3. Gently beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated.
  4. Stir in the chopped frosted animal cookies.
  5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the springform pan.

For Baking:

  1. Place the cheesecake in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly.
  2. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour.
  3. After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  4. For the Pink Vanilla Bean Glaze:
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla.
  6. Mix until you achieve a smooth glaze consistency.

Final Assembly:

  1. Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled and set, drizzle the pink vanilla bean glaze over the top.
  2. For an extra touch, you can also drizzle some pink chocolate and sprinkle with your choice of sprinkles.