Holiday Chocolate & Candy Cane Cheesecake Bar Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. Prepare a 8-inch square baking pan by lining the pan with aluminum foil, leaving 3-4 inches of foil draping over the sides of the pan.

The Crust:

1. Place the chocolate wafers into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the wafers form fine crumbs, about 30 seconds. To the crumbs, add butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Pulse until the ingredients are fully combined. Using the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers, press the crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan.
2. Bake until the crust is beginning to brown, 12 to 15 minutes. Let the crust cool on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes.

The Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until it is very smooth, about 3 minutes. Scrape the beaters and sides of bowl frequently. Gradually beat in granulated sugar until the mixture is combined, about 1 minute. Beat in eggs, one a time, making sure that each is fully incorporated. Beat in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined, about 30 seconds. Scrape the cream cheese mixture into the baking pan, over top of the cooled crust. Spread evenly.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Melt in the microwave on 50% power, stirring every 20 seconds, until smooth.
3. Using a teaspoon, spoon the melted chocolate gently onto random places over the surface of the cheesecake. Using a small knife, gently swirl the chocolate into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Bake until the edges are set but the middle still jiggles slightly when the pan is shaken slightly, 35 to 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.
5. Place the pan on a cooling rack, sprinkle with half of the crushed candy canes (these will melt on top) and allow the bars to cool for 2 hours. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, and up to 24 hours.
6. Using the overhanging foil, lift the bars from the pan. Sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes over the top. Gently remove the foil and cut into 16 bars.