Oreo Cheesecake Bars

Instructions

1. Prepare the pan
   Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Make the crust
   In a medium bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
3. Prepare the filling
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until combined. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until incorporated after each addition. Do not overmix.
4. Add the Oreos
   Gently fold the 12 chopped Oreo cookies into the cheesecake batter using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix - you want visible chunks of cookies throughout the batter.
5. Bake the cheesecake
   Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 6 chopped Oreo cookies on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when the pan is gently shaken.
6. Cool completely
   Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, about 2 hours. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to fully set the cheesecake.
7. Prepare optional drizzle
   If desired, heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over white chocolate in a small bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Allow to cool slightly before drizzling over the chilled cheesecake bars.
8. Slice and serve
   When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. With a sharp knife, cut into bars, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices. For best results, dip knife in hot water and dry before each cut.