Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with the smooth creaminess of cheesecake. These bars are easy to make, and they are perfect for any special occasion or simply to enjoy at home. With a simple Oreo crust and a chocolate cheesecake filling, they are sure to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make Chocolate Cheesecake Bars because they are a crowd-pleaser. People love chocolate and cheesecake, and this recipe brings both together perfectly. The creamy texture and chocolatey taste make it irresistible. Plus, they’re easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing. If you’re looking for a dessert that is sure to be a hit at your next gathering, these bars are an excellent choice.

How to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to make the crust.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then, add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until well incorporated.
5. In a microwave-safe bowl, pour the chocolate chips and heat them until melted, stirring frequently. Once melted, add the chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and mix until it is smooth.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the baking pan.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
8. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
9. For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it is just boiling, then pour it over the remaining chocolate chips in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.
10. Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake bars and let it set before cutting into squares.

How to Serve Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Serve Chocolate Cheesecake Bars chilled, straight from the refrigerator. You can plate them neatly as dessert at a dinner party or simply serve them on a platter for casual gatherings. They are delicious on their own, but feel free to garnish them with whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra touch.

How to Store Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Store the Chocolate Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week, making them great for meal prep or just to have a sweet treat on hand. If you’ve made a large batch, you can also freeze the bars. Just make sure to wrap them well before placing them in the freezer.

Tips to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

• Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps to achieve a smooth texture.
• Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake creamy. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out.
• For an even richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

Variation

You can add different toppings or mix-ins to the cheesecake batter, like crushed nuts, or swirl in peanut butter or caramel before baking for added flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes, you can use any chocolate-flavored cookies or even graham crackers for the crust.

2. How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Use gluten-free Oreo cookies or any gluten-free chocolate cookies for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

3. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them perfect for parties or special events. Just store them properly in the fridge.

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Delicious dessert bars that combine rich chocolate flavor with smooth creaminess of cheesecake, set on a simple Oreo crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs

Servings: 16 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1.5 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
• 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling

• 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 oz each)
• 1 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cups chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark chocolate for richer flavor

For the ganache

• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cups chocolate chips remaining from filling

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine the Oreo cookie crumbs and melted butter until well mixed.
3. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to make the crust.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
5. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until combined.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until well incorporated.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, pour the chocolate chips and heat them until melted, stirring frequently.
8. Once melted, add the chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and mix until smooth.

Baking

1. Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust in the baking pan.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly.
3. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Ganache Preparation

1. Heat the heavy cream until it is just boiling, then pour it over the remaining chocolate chips in a bowl.
2. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until smooth.
3. Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake bars and let it set before cutting into squares.

Notes

Serve chilled and garnish with whipped cream or fresh berries if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.