Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine creamy, rich cheesecake with sweet, crunchy chocolate chips and a buttery graham cracker crust. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, these bars offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors that satisfy every sweet tooth, making them an ideal dessert or snack to share with friends and family.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free crust substitution)
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a golden, crispy crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, then the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream (if using) and vanilla extract. Add the all-purpose flour and mix gently until combined. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips carefully to distribute them evenly without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the bars firm up and develop the perfect creamy texture.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to slice the cheesecake into even squares. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with powdered sugar, melted chocolate, fresh berries, or mint leaves.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid cracks caused by excess air.
- Use parchment paper in the pan to easily lift out the bars with clean edges.
- Chill bars thoroughly for the best texture and easier slicing.
- Choose high-quality chocolate chips for superior taste and melt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cheesecake bars, chocolate chip cheesecake, dessert bars, easy cheesecake, creamy cheesecake, chocolate chip dessert