Peanut Butter & Jelly Swirl Cheesecake Bars

By srumbel

Peanut Butter & Jelly Swirl Cheesecake Bars are straight-up irresistible. Use your favorite jam – but we’re partial to raspberry and strawberry.
from foodfanatic.com

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
• 3/4 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• For the Cheesecake:
• 3 8 ounce packages reduced fat cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 18 ounce jar strawberry jam, or your favorite preserves

Preparation

Step 1

For the Crust:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the shortening and brown sugar until creamy.
Add the flour and oats, beating until well-blended.
Press into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 baking pan.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until pale golden brown at the edges.
Meanwhile, prepare cheesecake.

For the Cheesecake:

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar, beating until smooth.
Add the peanut butter, beating until smooth and blended.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Add the vanilla.
Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.
Drop the jam onto the cheesecake layer by large spoonfuls.
Swirl gently with a knife.
Bake an additional 30-35 minutes, or until cheesecake appears set when the pan is jiggled.
Remove pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut into bars. EAT!!

24 Servings