Double-Layer Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• 1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
   
• ¼ cup canola oil
   
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
   
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips, divided
   
• 3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
   
• ½ cup sugar
   
• ½ cup sour cream
   
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
   
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°.
    
2. Reserve 1 cup dry cake mix for filling.
    
3. In a large bowl, combine oil, 1 egg and remaining cake mix; stir until blended.
    
4. Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips. Press onto the bottom of a greased 13x9-in. baking pan.
    
5. Bake until set, 10-12 minutes.
    
6. While that's backing, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
    
7. Beat in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla and reserved 1 cup cake mix.
    
8. Add remaining 2 eggs; beat on low speed just until blended.
    
9. Remove 2 cups for chocolate topping; pour remaining batter over baked crust.
    
10. In a saucepan, melt remaining chocolate chips. Stir into reserved cream cheese mixture; spoon over the filling.
     
11. Bake until center is almost set, 35 minutes. Cool 1 hour on a wire rack. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is best) before serving. Refrigerate leftovers.