If you have a soft spot for desserts that combine creamy richness with a luscious chocolate touch, the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe is going to become your new best friend. These bars deliver the perfect marriage of a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cheesecake filling, and melty bits of semi-sweet chocolate chips throughout. Every bite is a delightful balance of sweetness and texture that feels indulgent but approachable. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special, these bars are sure to disappear fast and leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is where the magic begins for this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe. The list is simple but thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect harmony in flavor and texture you’ll love.
- Graham cracker crumbs: These provide a crisp, buttery base that holds the bars together beautifully and adds a subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bind the crumbs together, it gives the crust a rich, satisfying mouthfeel.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cheesecake filling and enhance the crust.
- Cream cheese: The star of the show, softened to create that smooth, creamy cheesecake texture.
- Sour cream: Adds a delightful tanginess and keeps the filling luxuriously moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, aromatic note that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Scattered throughout the filling, these pockets of chocolate melt into little bursts of sweetness and contrast perfectly with the creamy filling.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature allows the cheesecake filling to bake gently, ensuring a creamy texture without cracking or overcooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. The butter binds everything into a crumbly, buttery crust that will form the delicious base for your bars. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish so it’s evenly packed and ready to hold the filling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s silky smooth—this is key to avoiding lumps. Then, add the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract and mix until everything is fully combined and creamy. This luscious filling will be the heart of your bars, delivering richness and tang.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture. Take your time here to avoid deflating the batter while ensuring the chocolate chips are evenly distributed for every bite to have a delightful hit of sweetness.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the filling over your prepared crust, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. This texture means your bars will be creamy and soft, just like a cheesecake should be.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. After they’ve set, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours so they firm up perfectly and the flavors meld. This step is crucial for slicing clean bars that hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance the presentation and add extra layers of flavor, sprinkle a few chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts on top just before serving. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, delicate touch that feels festive and inviting.
Side Dishes
Because these bars are decadently rich, pairing them with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream balances the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk is also the perfect companion to this sweet treat.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party, consider stacking the bars on a decorative plate or placing them in individual cupcake liners for easy grabbing. Drizzling melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars before serving elevates the experience and will surely wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert or snack.
Freezing
These bars freeze wonderfully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled, reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly softened texture, you can warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the chocolate chips completely.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for this recipe?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic for this cheesecake bars recipe, you can substitute with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips based on your preference. Each option adds a slightly different flavor profile, so feel free to experiment.
What can I do if I don’t have sour cream?
If sour cream isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or crème fraîche. Both provide a similar tang and creamy texture that keeps the cheesecake filling moist and tender.
Why does the center of my cheesecake bars jiggle after baking?
A slight jiggle in the center of cheesecake bars means they are perfectly baked—creamy and not overcooked. The filling will firm up as the bars cool and chill in the refrigerator, giving you that ideal cheesecake texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies to make the crust gluten-free. Ensure that other ingredients, like chocolate chips, are also labeled gluten-free for safety.
How thick should I press the crust into the pan?
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish to about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This thickness provides a sturdy base that complements the creamy filling without overpowering it.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a dessert that’s both classic and a little indulgent, and the Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Once you try these bars, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again. They’re a guaranteed favorite for sharing at gatherings or savoring during quiet moments at home. Go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll be so glad you did.
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy, tangy cheesecake filling studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to achieve a slight jiggle in the center, these bars are a delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the bars evenly.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until well blended, then press firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form an even crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sour cream, the remaining sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly until the filling is smooth and combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but set at the edges.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours to set before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Do not overbake; a slight jiggle in the center ensures creamy texture.
- Refrigeration time is crucial for bars to firm up properly before slicing.
- Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water to cut clean edges.
