Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished bars out.

2. 2

   In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of crushed vanilla wafers with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

4. 4

   Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pureed strawberries and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Dollop the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the cream cheese.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is only slightly jiggly.

7. 7

   Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars.

8. 8

   Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into desired sizes. Serve chilled.