Chef Mitchell preparing Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this chocolate chip cheesecake bars recipe while experimenting with dessert ideas for a family gathering. It was an instant hit! Over the years, I’ve perfected the balance of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate flavors. Every time I make these bars, they bring back fond memories of sharing sweet moments with loved ones."

With over a decade of experience in the culinary world, I specialize in American cuisine, particularly desserts. My passion for baking has led me to create over a thousand recipes. I love sharing the joy of homemade treats with others.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars served on a plate

Why This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe Works

This recipe for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars stands out due to its rich, creamy texture and the delightful contrast of flavors. The combination of cream cheese and chocolate creates a luscious filling that is both satisfying and indulgent. The buttery graham cracker crust adds a crunchy base that perfectly complements the smooth cheesecake layer.

The baking technique used ensures even cooking, resulting in bars that are firm on the outside yet creamy on the inside. Chilling them after baking allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste. This recipe is also easy to follow, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure to use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps in your filling. Also, don’t overmix your batter after adding the eggs to maintain a light texture. Allowing the bars to chill overnight will enhance their flavor and make them easier to cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars a day in advance. In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight in the refrigerator. Just cover them tightly to prevent any odors from the fridge affecting their flavor. When ready to serve, slice them into bars and enjoy.

If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with a mix of Greek yogurt and sour cream, maintaining the creamy texture. Alternatively, vegan cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free version. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious.

The bars are done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. This indicates that the filling will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can result in a dry texture, so keep an eye on them as they approach the end of the baking time.

Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars for up to three months. Make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. To serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

These cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but you can enhance the experience by serving them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also make a great accompaniment, adding a touch of freshness and acidity to balance the richness.

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cheesecake bars can last in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure they are completely cooled before covering to prevent condensation from making them soggy.

Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making in advance, as they need to chill before serving. Prepare them a day before your event, allowing the flavors to develop while they chill in the fridge for optimal taste.

To reheat, place a slice of cheesecake bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds on low power. This will soften it slightly without melting the chocolate chips. Enjoy warm or at room temperature for the best experience.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The cheesecake bars turn out dry and crumbly.

Solution: Ensure you don’t overbake the bars. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking and remove them when the center has a slight jiggle.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The crust lacks the desired crunch.

Solution: Make sure to press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan, and consider baking the crust for an additional 5 minutes before adding the filling for increased crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The bars are overcooked and have a tough texture.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the cheesecake bars is too soft and runny.

Recovery: If the center is undercooked, you can return the bars to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent the edges from browning further.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The edges of the cheesecake bars are burnt.

Prevention: To prevent burning, use a baking pan that fits the size of your oven. If your oven tends to cook unevenly, rotate the pan halfway through baking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the bars are too sweet, add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor balance.

Too Salty: If the bars taste too salty, balance it with a bit of sugar or chocolate sauce to offset the saltiness.

Bland: For bland bars, add more vanilla extract or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

The main ingredients for these bars include cream cheese, eggs, and chocolate chips. Cream cheese is key to achieving that rich and creamy filling, while eggs help bind the mixture together. The chocolate chips add a delicious sweetness and texture, making each bite delightful.

Using high-quality chocolate chips will significantly impact the overall flavor of the bars. Opt for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate experience. Fresh ingredients will always yield the best results.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Cream Cheese: For the creamiest texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth filling.
  • Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can also mix in different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate, for variety.
  • Graham Crackers: Crush the graham crackers finely to achieve a smooth crust. You can also add a bit of cinnamon to the crust mixture for extra flavor.
Cooking process for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Making Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars is a straightforward process that can be broken down into simple steps. Start by preparing the crust, then move on to creating the creamy filling. Layering these two components is where the magic happens!

To achieve perfect results, follow the baking instructions closely. Allowing the bars to cool properly before refrigerating is crucial for the right texture. With a little patience, you'll end up with a crowd-pleasing dessert.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

The key to perfect cheesecake bars is in the mixing technique. Be careful not to overmix once the eggs are added, as this can lead to a dense texture. Gently fold in the chocolate chips to maintain their structure and ensure a delightful bite in every bar.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    For the crust
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
    For the crust
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
    For the crust
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
    For the filling
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
    For the filling
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For the filling
  • 2 large eggs
    For the filling
  • 1 cup sour cream
    For the filling
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    For the filling
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    For the filling
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
    For the filling
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    Optional topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust

    Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.

  2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

    In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing well. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and salt, blending until creamy.

  3. Add Chocolate Chips

    Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter until evenly distributed.

  4. Pour Filling Over Crust

    Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.

  5. Bake the Cheesecake Bars

    Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

  6. Cool and Chill

    Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

  7. Cut and Serve

    Once chilled, cut into bars and serve. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip cheesecake bars!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them.

Serving Suggestions

These bars can be served plain or topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, or fresh berries. A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a delicious pairing as well!

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, swapping chocolate chips for peanut butter chips, or even incorporating a swirl of caramel sauce into the filling for a unique twist.