Rainbow Cheesecake Swirl Bars

Directions:
Prepare the Oven and Pan:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Line a 9×13-inch pan with non-stick foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with baking spray.
Make the Rainbow Cake Batter:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, egg, and milk until smooth.
2. Divide the batter evenly among six bowls.
3. Add a different gel food color to each bowl and mix well.
4. Spoon teaspoonfuls of the various colored batters into the prepared pan, alternating colors to create a rainbow effect. With wet hands, gently press the batter to flatten.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
1. In another bowl, blend cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
3. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the colored cake batter in the pan.
Create the Swirl Effect:
1. Thin out each of the reserved colored batters with a teaspoon of milk per color.
2. Drizzle these thinned batters over the cheesecake layer.
3. Using a fork or the tip of a knife, swirl the colors gently to create a marbled effect.
Baking:
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and continue baking for another 14-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden.
3. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.