Chocolate Chip & Bacon Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°. Line a 9 inch square baking pan with foil, letting ends extend up the sides. Grease the foil.

Step 2: Reserve 1/4 cup crumbled bacon for top. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in eggs and vanilla.

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk Add the flour, salt and baking soda to another bowl. Whisk. Gradually beat the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.

Step 4: Reserve 1/4 cup of crumbled bacon and set aside. Add the remaining bacon to the batter and stir to combine.

Step 5: Press ONLY half the dough onto bottom of prepared pan.

Make the Cheesecake Layer:

Step 6: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, milk and vanilla; beat on low speed just until blended. Pour the cheesecake batter over the dough in prepared pan; drop remaining dough by rounded tablespoonfuls over cheesecake layer. Sprinkle with reserved bacon.

Step 7: Bake until golden brown, 45-50 minutes. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before cutting. Lifting with foil, remove from pan. Cut into bars.