Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Rich, creamy, and indulgent, Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for chocolate lovers everywhere. Combining the luscious texture of cheesecake with the deep, decadent flavors of chocolate, these bars are an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday gathering, or simply to enjoy with your family, these cheesecake bars deliver a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort. Featuring a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a smooth chocolate cheesecake filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping, these bars are pure bliss in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to slice and serve, making them ideal for potlucks or dessert tables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore these Chocolate Cheesecake Bars:

1. Rich and Decadent: With layers of chocolate in every bite, these bars satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to fancy celebrations, these bars fit any setting.
3. Easy to Serve: Unlike traditional round cheesecakes, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them great for sharing.
4. Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with different toppings or crust options to suit your preferences.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars store beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making them a stress-free dessert option.
6. Crowd-Pleaser: Chocolate cheesecake bars are guaranteed to impress friends and family alike!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Cooling time: 4 hours (includes chilling)
• Total time: 5 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars
• Serving Size: 1 bar

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs (about 15 cookies)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and slightly cooled

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon butter (optional, for shine)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Chocolate shavings
• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries
• Sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Prepare the Cookie Crumbs: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until finely ground. Alternatively, place them in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
3. Mix the Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
4. Press the Crust: Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to ensure the crust is compact. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

5. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.
6. Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
7. Mix in Sour Cream and Vanilla: Add the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
8. Add the Melted Chocolate: Pour in the melted and slightly cooled chocolate, and mix until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to avoid adding too much air to the batter.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

9. Pour the Filling: Spread the chocolate cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
10. Bake: Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks.
11. Cool: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Step 4: Prepare the Ganache Topping

12. Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
13. Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add butter for extra shine, if desired.
14. Spread the Ganache: Once the cheesecake has cooled, pour the ganache over the top. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

15. Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours, or until fully set. For best results, chill overnight.
16. Slice: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.
17. Garnish: Decorate with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, fresh berries, or sprinkles as desired. Serve chilled.

Ingredient Background

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies:

These cookies form the base of the crust, adding a sweet and crunchy texture. You can use Oreos or a similar brand. For a different twist, try graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies.

Cream Cheese:

The key to a creamy and rich cheesecake filling, cream cheese should always be softened before mixing to prevent lumps. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.

Chocolate Chips:

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the perfect choice for a rich chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet. Feel free to substitute with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter option.

Heavy Cream:

Heavy cream is used to create a silky ganache topping that adds a luxurious finish to the bars.

Technique Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to create a smooth filling without lumps.
2. Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in the cheesecake. Mix just until combined.
3. Prevent Cracks: Baking at a lower temperature and allowing the bars to cool gradually at room temperature helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
4. Chill for Clean Slices: Chilling the bars thoroughly makes them easier to slice neatly. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the best results.
5. Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick to spread, add a splash of warm cream to thin it out.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Mini Cheesecake Bars: Use a mini muffin tin to create individual cheesecake bites with a cookie crust base.
• Layered Cheesecake Bars: Add a layer of peanut butter or caramel sauce between the cheesecake and ganache for an extra indulgent treat.
• Swirled Cheesecake Bars: Reserve some of the plain cheesecake batter and swirl it into the chocolate filling for a marbled effect.
• Holiday Themed: Top the bars with crushed candy canes, red and green sprinkles, or a drizzle of white chocolate for festive flair.

Additional Tips for Success

• Non-Stick Tip: Grease the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray to prevent the crust from sticking.
• Freezing Option: These bars freeze well! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Make It Decadent: Add a layer of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or toffee bits on top of the ganache before chilling for added texture.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Option:

Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust to make the recipe gluten-free.

Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Bars:

Substitute dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based sour cream, and coconut cream for a vegan version. Use vegan chocolate chips and cookies for the crust.

Espresso Chocolate Bars:

Add 1–2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the cheesecake filling for a mocha-flavored twist.

Mint Chocolate Bars:

Mix ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the filling and top with crushed mint candies for a refreshing variation.

Freezing and Storage

Freezing:

• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for a lighter cheesecake filling.
• Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like stevia.
• Use dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a lower-sugar option.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Birthday Parties: Serve the bars topped with colorful sprinkles and birthday candles for a festive touch.
• Holiday Gatherings: Pair with hot chocolate or coffee for a decadent dessert table addition.
• Potlucks: Cut the bars into smaller squares for bite-sized servings that are perfect for sharing.

Special Equipment

• 8×8-inch Baking Pan: Ensures even baking and easy slicing.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes it easier to lift the bars out of the pan.
• Electric Mixer: Helps create a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Offset Spatula: Makes spreading the ganache topping easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply use a 9×13-inch pan and double the ingredients. Adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness after 45 minutes.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but the bars will be sweeter. Adjust the sugar in the filling to balance the flavors.

3. What if I don’t have a food processor for the crust?
You can crush the cookies in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin until fine crumbs form.

4. Can I use a springform pan?
Yes, a 9-inch springform pan works well for a cheesecake-style presentation.

5. How do I prevent the ganache from being too thick?
If the ganache is too thick, stir in an extra tablespoon or two of warm cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Can I add mix-ins to the cheesecake filling?
Absolutely! Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or crushed cookies for added texture.

7. Can I skip the ganache?
Yes, you can serve the bars without the ganache, or drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a lighter finish.

8. How do I make the bars extra fudgy?
Use dark chocolate in the filling and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a richer flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, chocolatey decadence and crowd-pleasing simplicity. With their smooth filling, crunchy crust, and glossy ganache topping, these bars are as stunning as they are delicious. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or a cozy night in, this dessert is a guaranteed hit every time. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, you’ll find yourself making these bars again and again. Enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness!

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