Old Glory Cheesecake Bars

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1-1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
   
2. 1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
3. 3 Tbsp. sugar
   
4. 3 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
5. 3/4 cup sugar
   
6. 1 tsp. vanilla
   
7. 3 egg s
8. 3 Tbsp. red, white and blue decorating gel
   
9. 3 Tbsp. red, white and blue sprinkles
   

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 13x9-inch baking pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides of pan to form handles; set aside. Mix graham crumbs, butter and 3 Tbsp. sugar; press firmly onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking pan.
  
• Beat cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and the vanilla in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour over crust.
• Bake 30 min. or until center is almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate several hours or overnight. Remove cheesecake from pan, using foil handles. Cut into shapes using a medium star-shaped cookie cutter. Decorate with gels and sprinkles as desired. Store in refrigerator.
  

This recipe was used with permission from Kraft Foods.