Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, creamy dessert that masterfully blends rich chocolate and velvety cheesecake atop a buttery crust, perfect for any occasion when you want indulgence in every bite.

If you’re tired of dry, overcooked chicken breasts or plain desserts that lack excitement, this recipe offers a luscious balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy chocolate lovers and cheesecake fans alike.

At dishfoody.com, crafting recipes that combine ease, taste, and elegance is a passion. This article covers why this recipe works, ingredient selection, prep essentials, clear baking instructions, expert tips, interesting flavor variations, serving ideas, and FAQs.

Why This Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe Works

  • Combines accessible, affordable ingredients like cream cheese, cocoa, and chocolate chips
  • Achieves a perfect creamy texture balanced with chocolate richness and a crisp crust
  • Easy to prepare in a single pan with impressive, crowd-pleasing results

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Best Ingredients for This Recipe

Full-fat cream cheese provides the ideal creamy texture. Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate offers balanced chocolate intensity, while crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookie crumbs form a crunchy, flavorful base.

Buying Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth batter. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or bars for melting.

Substitutions

Use gluten-free crumbs for crust. Dairy-free cream cheese and chocolate alternatives work for vegan versions.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker or chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Pre-Cooking Prep

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Cooking Method

  1. Mix graham cracker or cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly combined; press firmly into the bottom of prepared pan.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully.
  3. Stir in sour cream, vanilla, and cocoa powder until combined.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips gently.
  5. Pour batter over crust and smooth the top.
  6. Bake 45-50 minutes, or until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
  7. Turn off oven, leave bars inside with door ajar for 30 minutes to prevent cracking.
  8. Remove and cool completely before refrigerating at least 4 hours or overnight.

Doneness Check

Bars should be creamy and firm enough to cut without crumbling.

Resting

Chill thoroughly for best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

  • Use a water bath if possible to avoid cracks and create smooth texture.
  • Don’t overmix batter to keep it light.
  • Let bars cool gradually in the oven for perfect consistency.

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of cayenne or cinnamon to the batter for warmth.

Keto/Paleo

Use almond flour crust and sugar substitutes like erythritol.

Global Flavors

  • Mexican: Incorporate chili powder and cinnamon.
  • French: Add espresso powder to enhance chocolate depth.
  • Italian: Swirl in hazelnut spread or amaretti crumbs.
VariationKey IngredientDietary TagFlavor Profile
Spicy TwistCayenne, cinnamonBoldWarm, spicy
Keto/PaleoAlmond flour, erythritolLow-carbNutty, rich
Global FlavorsEspresso, hazelnutExoticDeep, aromatic

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Serve chilled with whipped cream or fresh berries. Pair with dessert wine or coffee.

FAQs for Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

  • Can I make bars ahead? Yes, they improve when chilled overnight.
  • How to store leftovers? Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
  • Are bars gluten-free? Use gluten-free crumbs for safe gluten-free option.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars blend rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake into a luscious dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet treat any day. Explore more indulgent recipes at dishfoody.com and try our Cookie Butter Cheesecake Cups next!

Print

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are rich, creamy bars with a chocolate crust and a luscious chocolate cheesecake filling perfect for chocolate lovers and easy to make for any occasion.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • 2. Mix cookie crumbs with melted butter and press into the pan to form crust.
  • 3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  • 4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
  • 5. Mix in sour cream, cocoa powder, and vanilla.
  • 6. Fold in chocolate chips.
  • 7. Pour filling over crust.
  • 8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggly.
  • 9. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for best texture.
  • Refrigerate bars for at least 4 hours before serving.
  • Top with whipped cream or berries if desired.
  • Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chocolate cheesecake bars, chocolate dessert, creamy cheesecake, easy bars

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