If you have a sweet tooth and love the creamy indulgence of cheesecake combined with the nostalgic joy of chocolate chips, then this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These bars offer the perfect balance of a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese filling dotted generously with melty chocolate chips, and just the right texture that’s firm but creamy. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, treat yourself, or bring a crowd-pleasing dessert to a party, this recipe is incredibly straightforward and reliably delicious every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each one plays a vital role in creating the rich, smooth texture and irresistible flavor combinations that make these bars so memorable.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): Provides a crisp, slightly sweet crust that perfectly supports the creamy filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): Binds the crust together and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup for crust and additional for filling): Sweetens the crust and filling just right without overpowering.
- Cream cheese, softened (16 oz): The creamy base that gives the cheesecake bars their classic luscious texture.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tangy smoothness and moistens the filling for that perfect bite.
- Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Enhances the flavor depth and sweetness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds melty pockets of chocolate surprise throughout.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This slightly lower baking temperature helps the cheesecake bars cook evenly, preventing cracking or over-browning. Grease your baking dish thoroughly to ensure the bars release smoothly after baking.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ½ cup of sugar in a bowl. The butter melts into the crumbs, creating a perfect texture that bakes into a crisp yet tender crust. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared dish to form a stable base for the filling.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth—this step prevents lumps and ensures a velvety texture. Next, fold in the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, beating everything again until creamy and well combined. This mixture is the heart of your bars, rich and luscious with a hint of tanginess from the sour cream that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute these delightful bursts of chocolate flavor without breaking up the chips too much. These stud your cheesecake filling like little gems, creating a heavenly taste and texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the filling over the prepared crust evenly, smoothing the surface. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, watching carefully for a slight jiggle in the center. This subtle movement ensures the bars stay creamy and moist without becoming dry or overcooked.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This chilling time is critical to let the bars set properly, making slicing and serving a breeze while enhancing their overall flavor and texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and tasty presentation, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top just before serving, or dust lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries can add a vibrant, juicy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the rich bars.
Side Dishes
Though these bars are delightful on their own, pairing them with a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience to another level of indulgence. A cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate alongside makes for a decadent dessert pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, consider cutting the bars into mini squares and piping some whipped cream and chocolate drizzle on each piece. Alternatively, serve them layered with fresh fruit in a parfait glass for a fun twist. These bars also travel well and can be beautifully displayed on a dessert tray with decorative napkins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bars tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They will stay delicious for up to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy a sweet treat anytime without extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these bars ahead of time, they freeze beautifully. Slice them into bars before freezing, place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. This way, you can thaw only what you need. Frozen bars keep perfectly for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Since cheesecake bars are best served chilled, simply thaw any frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator before serving. If you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, leave them at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a nice balance of sweetness, you can swap them for dark chocolate for a richer taste, white chocolate for added sweetness, or even milk chocolate for a creamy finish. Just consider how the chocolate’s flavor will complement your bars.
Do I have to use sour cream in the filling?
Sour cream isn’t mandatory but highly recommended because it adds moisture and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness and giving the bars a smoother texture. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if needed, but there may be a slight difference in taste.
What size baking dish works best?
A 9×9-inch square baking dish is ideal for this recipe to achieve the right thickness and ensure even baking. Using a larger dish may result in thinner bars that bake faster and could become dry.
How can I avoid cracks in the cheesecake bars?
To prevent cracks, make sure not to overbeat the cream cheese filling and avoid overbaking. Baking at a moderate temperature and allowing the bars to cool gradually at room temperature before chilling helps maintain a smooth surface.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch dish. Monitor the baking time as it may need a few extra minutes to cook through, but check for the slight jiggle in the center as your indicator.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and utterly delicious about these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe that makes them a standout dessert for any occasion. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and an irresistibly creamy texture studded with chocolatey goodness, they are bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share the love with friends and family—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars (about 12 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips baked to perfection. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.
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
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the cheesecake bars.
- Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ½ cup granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream, ½ cup granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined and velvety.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in 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, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
- Cool and chill: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours to set fully before slicing into 12 servings.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should be slightly jiggly to avoid dryness.
- Use a greased or parchment-lined baking dish to prevent sticking.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top before baking if desired.
- These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
