Halloween Cheesecake Bars

Everybody loves a good cheesecake recipe, and these spooky Halloween cheesecake bars are a monster mash-up of everyone's favorite Halloween treats from the Oreo cookie crust to the candy eyeballs and orange jimmies on top. It's the best Halloween dessert for a party and a great way to get kids involved with decorating.

How do you soften cream cheese quickly?

In a hurry? Try one of three easy tips to quickly soften cream cheese before mixing the cheesecake batter: on the countertop, in warm water, or in the microwave. Room temperature ingredients will blend more smoothly when beaten so there won't be any lumps in the finished bars.  

How do you swirl cheesecake?

When it comes to swirling cheesecake, less really is more! The more zigging and zagging, the more the colors will blend and the less the swirls will show. Holding a skewer or a paring knife straight up, insert the tip into the cheesecake mixture and draw the letter "S" just a few times, working from top to bottom lengthwise, then crosswise. You can also skip the swirls altogether: Simply dollop over the pumpkin and chocolate mixtures and bake. 

How can you keep cheesecake from cracking?

Cheesecake can sometimes crack on top when baked too long or cooled too quickly (going straight from oven to fridge). The cheesecake is done when it passes the jiggle test (it wobbles slightly in the center). Let it sit at room temperature for an hour first before chilling. And if it does crack, just say it was the ghosts at your Halloween party! 

Recipe by Torie Cox