Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet crunch of chocolate chips. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or mini as preferred)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 3/4 cup sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla extract and flour, mixing until fully combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
3. Step 3: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter to distribute them evenly.
4. Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden while the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
5. Step 5: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop the best texture and flavor before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use mini chocolate chips for more even distribution throughout the bars.
• Swap graham cracker crumbs for crushed digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cookies for the crust and gluten-free flour in the filling.
• Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a subtle mocha twist.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat chilled bars at room temperature for best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cream cheese for this recipe?

It’s best to use cream cheese softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter. Thaw frozen cream cheese completely and bring to room temperature before using.

Why does the cheesecake center jiggle after baking?

A slightly jiggly center indicates that the cheesecake is perfectly baked and will firm up as it cools and chills, resulting in a creamy texture without overbaking.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 servings 1x

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Description

Delight in these rich and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling studded with melty chocolate chips, and a perfectly baked texture that’s set on the edges and gently wobbly in the center. These bars make a decadent dessert ideal for any occasion, requiring minimal ingredients and simple steps for a crowd-pleasing treat.

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Ingredients

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Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
• 6 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or mini as preferred)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a solid base for the cheesecake bars.
2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time to ensure a silky texture. Stir in the vanilla extract and all-purpose flour until fully combined and smooth, taking care not to overmix to prevent cracks.
3. Add the chocolate chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly so that every bite contains delicious pockets of melted chocolate.
4. Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden while the center still jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken. This ensures a creamy center without overbaking.
5. Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours or overnight. Chilling helps develop the best texture and flavor, making the bars easier to slice and delightfully creamy.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure smooth batter.
• Press crust firmly for a sturdy base that holds together well.
• Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to prevent cracking during baking.
• Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor considerably.
• Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate chip cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, chocolate chip dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, graham cracker crust dessert