FROSTED ANIMAL COOKIE CHEESECAKE BARS RECIPE

BARS RECIPE

These Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake Bars are a heavenly combination of creamy cheesecake, whimsical frosted animal cookies, and a glossy, pink vanilla bean glaze. Crowned with a pink vanilla bean glaze, pink chocolate drizzle, and rainbow sprinkles for a burst of flavor and color, these frosted animal cheesecake bars are perfect for celebrations, parties, or whenever you crave something sweet.

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. It's an indulgent experience that will transport you back in time to childhood carefree days.

And don’t get me started on these Animal Cracker Desserts being addictively kid-friendly. From mixing all the ingredients to the finishing touch of adding the sprinkles, you’ll be surprised to see their engagement with the preparation.

Easy Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake Bars

For anyone under the influence of a fancy name, expecting a long list of luxurious ingredients and never-ending complicated instructions, nothing like that will happen today! Instead, this easy frosted animal cookie cheesecake bar recipe is a simplified version of the original, using less cream cheese and omitting the flour. This super simple recipe for Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake requires only 30 minutes of prep time and benefits from the oven doing all the heavy work. All you have to do is mix all the ingredients for each element and bake (except for the icing, of course). I mean, how difficult could mixing be?

How To Make the Best Frosted Animal Cookie Cheesecake Bars

This cookie cake recipe begins with a buttery and melt-in-the-mouth Graham cracker crust, providing the perfect foundation for the layers of deliciousness to come. 

As you move on to the creamy filling, you'll discover the magic of combining cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, chopped frosted animal cookies, and a hint of pink food coloring. The playful pink tint adds whimsy, making this dessert ideal for birthday parties or baby showers.

Baking these cheesecake bars is a breeze. After 40 minutes in the oven, the edges become beautifully set, while the center retains a delightful jiggle. The gradual cooling process ensures a smooth and crack-free surface, adding to the dessert's appeal.

Once your cheesecake bars have cooled and set in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight, it's time to elevate the presentation with a Pink Vanilla Bean Glaze. This glaze, made with powdered sugar, cream or milk, and vanilla bean paste, is drizzled over the top, enhancing both flavor and presentation.

For the final touch, consider adding a drizzle of pink chocolate and a sprinkling of your favorite colorful sprinkles. These extras not only make your frosted cheesecake look like a masterpiece but also add delightful textures and flavors.

Recipe FAQs

What if I don't have pink food coloring?

No worries at all. If you prefer a more natural look or don't have pink food coloring on hand, skip it. Your cheesecake bars will still taste incredible, and you'll have a delicious dessert with a traditional appearance.

What if I don't have a 9-inch springform pan?

If you don't have a springform pan, you can use a regular 9x9-inch baking dish or a 9x9-inch square cake pan. While removing might be trickier, you can line the dish with parchment paper to make it easier to lift out the cheesecake bars once they're set.

Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing and place them in your freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight to retain their texture and taste.

Recipe Tips And Notes

Room Temperature Ingredients – Ensure that your cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother and creamier cheesecake filling.

Gently Mix the Eggs – When adding the eggs to the cheesecake filling, be gentle and avoid overmixing to maintain the filling's silky texture.

Crust Perfection – Press the Graham cracker crust firmly into the pan to create a sturdy base. It's the foundation of your cheesecake bars, so take your time with this step.

Avoid Over-Baking – Keep a close eye on the cheesecake bars in the oven. Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly texture. The center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove it.

Storage Tips – If there are any leftovers (though they tend to disappear quickly), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

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

To make 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.

To make 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.

To Bake:

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.

To make the Pink Vanilla Bean Glaze:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla.
2. Mix until you achieve a smooth glaze consistency.

To Assemble:

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.

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^{Recipe adaption from https://www.lifeloveandsugar.com/frosted-animal-cookie-cheesecake/}