Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
You’re about to fall in love with these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars! Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust topped with luxuriously creamy cheesecake dotted with gooey chocolate chips. This treat brings together two classic desserts in every irresistible bite. Whether you need a standout for potlucks, bake sales, or just making your week a little sweeter, these bars are guaranteed to win over both cheesecake addicts and chocolate chip fans alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather just a handful of pantry staples, and you’re on your way to baking something special. Every ingredient in these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars has a purpose, creating that perfect balance of richness, texture, and flavor that keeps you reaching for “just one more.”
- Graham cracker crumbs: These provide a toasty, slightly sweet base layer that gives each bar its signature crunch.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Melted butter binds your crust beautifully and adds a velvety richness with every bite.
- Cream cheese, softened: The star of the show! Use softened cream cheese for that ultra-smooth, tangy cheesecake center.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness that brings out the flavors and balances tangy and creamy notes.
- Large eggs, room temperature: Eggs help bind everything together and create a luscious, custardy texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Speckled throughout every bar, these chocolate chips melt just enough to make each bite decadent.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s at the perfect temperature when your cheesecake bars are ready to bake. Grab an 8×8-inch baking pan and give it a generous greasing – either with butter or nonstick spray – to make slicing and serving later a breeze.
Step 2: Build the Buttery Graham Cracker Crust
In a mixing bowl, blend your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture looks like sandy wet beach sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan to form a solid, even crust. This will set the stage for all the creamy goodness to come!
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy – this is the secret to avoiding any lumps! Gradually blend in the sugar, then add the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t rush this step; a smooth batter makes the dreamiest Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Once your cheesecake batter is beautifully smooth, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix here; you want those chocolate surprises scattered evenly throughout the bars, not sunk to the bottom!
Step 5: Pour, Bake, and Watch the Magic Happen
Pour the creamy cheesecake filling right over the crust, gently spreading it to the edges for even coverage. Place your pan in the center of the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and ever-so-slightly golden, while the center still wobbles just a bit. That’s how you get a luscious, creamy bite every time.
Step 6: Cool Completely and Slice
Patience pays off here: Let your bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This step is essential for clean, pretty slices and the perfect cheesecake texture. Once cooled, cut them into squares and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
These bars are fabulous on their own, but you can dress them up to wow your guests! Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips over the top while they’re still warm, or dust each bar with a little powdered sugar for a fancy touch. A dollop of lightly whipped cream or a thin drizzle of chocolate sauce transforms each serving into a dessert worthy of any celebration.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars pair beautifully with fresh berries – think strawberries, raspberries, or juicy blueberries on the side. Feeling a little indulgent? Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent dessert platter. If you’re making these for a gathering, they’re lovely alongside a fruit salad or a cup of strong, fresh coffee.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bars into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for parties or potlucks. You can also skewer them with toothpicks for an easy finger-food option, or even layer broken pieces with whipped cream and fruit to make quick cheesecake parfaits. There’s no wrong way to share these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars – have fun with it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay velvety and fresh for up to five days. It’s helpful to place parchment or wax paper between layers if you’re stacking them to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully! Simply wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’ll have a ready-made treat whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
While Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are delicious chilled or at room temperature, bring them out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture. If you like them slightly warm, quickly zap a bar in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, just enough to soften the chocolate chips, but not so much that the cheesecake melts.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust instead of graham crackers?
Absolutely! Chocolate or vanilla wafer cookies, crushed digestive biscuits, or even shortbread crumbs make delicious alternatives. Use the same proportions and follow the same instructions for mixing with melted butter.
What’s the best way to get cleanly sliced Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars?
Let your bars chill completely in the fridge before slicing, and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water (wiping clean between slices) for the tidiest cuts. This simple trick keeps every bar looking as stunning as it tastes.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! For a crowd, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on the edges and that characteristic jiggle in the center.
Do I have to use semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Nope! Feel free to swap in milk chocolate, white chocolate, or even a combination for your own signature take. Just keep the total quantity at about 1 cup for the perfect balance of creamy and chocolatey.
Can Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie for the crust, and double-check that your chocolate chips are certified gluten-free as well. With those adjustments, everyone can enjoy these irresistible treats.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s a breeze to make, you really can’t go wrong with Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. Every bite delivers that perfect marriage of creamy cheesecake and chocolatey goodness. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how quickly they become a classic in your kitchen too!
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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. A perfect combination of smooth cream cheese, sweet chocolate chips, and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- Prepare the Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the filling over the crust and bake for 30-35 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, Cheesecake Bars Recipe, Chocolate Chip Dessert
