Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Cookie Cheesecake Bars

By srumbel

Just like cookie bars are easier than cookies, cheesecake bars are much easier to assemble and bake than a regular cheesecake. A sweet layer of creamy cheesecake is sandwiched between two layers of peanut butter oatmeal cookies. (Yes, I have a thing about adding oats to my cookies. I just like the chewiness and nuttiness that oats add.) To top off these peanut buttery bars, a generous amount of Reese’s Pieces are sprinkled over the top.
from a-kitchen-addiction.com

Ingredients

• For the Cookie Layers
• 1/3 C butter, softened
• 1/3 C no-stir natural peanut butter
• 1/4 C sugar
• 1/3 C brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 C white whole wheat flour
• 1/2 C all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 C + 2 tbsp quick oats
• 1/2 C Reese’s pieces
• For the Cheesecake Layer
• 8 oz 1/3 of the fat cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/4 C sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 325. Lightly spray an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In the bowl of a stand mixer or with an electric mixer, cream together butter, peanut butter, sugar, and brown sugar. Add in egg and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to creamed butter mixture and beat until combined. Stir in oats.
Prepare cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until creamy.
Press half of cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread cream cheese mixture over the top. Drop remaining cookie dough evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Reese’s pieces.
Bake for 20 minutes or until edges are golden brown and center is set.
Serve warm or cooled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.