Stepwise Method: Cheesecake Peanut Butter Bars

• Step 1: Prepare the Crust - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a food processor, crush the 36 Oreos into fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and pour in the melted salted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x9 inch baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
• Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Next, beat in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
• Step 3: Add the Eggs - Add the two large eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
• Step 4: Pour and Bake - Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled Oreo crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.
• Step 5: Chill and Slice - Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours or overnight, which helps them set and makes slicing easier. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.