Go Back
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened To make these bars, start with a strong base. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy crust. The melted butter binds the crumbs, giving you a delicious foundation. Cream cheese adds that rich, creamy texture we love in cheesecake. - ¾ cup sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup sour cream - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips The sugar sweetens the filling, while eggs help it set. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor, enhancing the dessert. Sour cream brings creaminess and a slight tang. The star ingredient? Chocolate chips. They add sweet pockets of chocolate in every bite. - Whipped cream - Chocolate sauce - Fresh fruit Toppings can elevate your bars. A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness. Drizzling chocolate sauce gives you that extra sweetness. Fresh fruit, like berries, can add a refreshing twist. Feel free to mix and match for your perfect finish. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. 1. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. 2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix these well until they form a sandy texture. 3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Make sure it is even. Bake this crust for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool slightly. 1. In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix it until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. 2. Now, add ¾ cup of sugar and mix until it blends well. Scrape down the bowl sides to catch any lumps. 3. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 cup of sour cream. Make sure the mixture is smooth and creamy. 1. Gently fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling. This adds a delightful chocolatey bite. 2. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust, spreading it evenly across the top. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The edges should set, while the center remains slightly jiggly. 4. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven for about 1 hour. 5. Once cooled, refrigerate your cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight for the best texture. To get the right texture for your cheesecake bars, focus on mixing. Always beat your cream cheese until it is creamy and smooth. This helps to avoid lumps in your filling. After adding eggs, mix each one in well. This step is key to a soft and smooth texture. Cracks can spoil the look of your cheesecake bars. To avoid cracks, cool the bars slowly. After baking, crack the oven door for one hour. This lets heat escape and cools the bars gently. Chilling them overnight also helps set the filling. A good mixer is vital for smooth filling. I recommend a stand mixer for ease and power. It blends the cream cheese well, saving you time. If you use a hand mixer, mix longer to ensure smoothness. For bakeware, a 9x13 inch pan works best. It ensures even cooking throughout the bars. Use a metal pan for the best heat distribution. If you want easy removal, line the pan with parchment paper. Chocolate chip cheesecake bars pair well with whipped cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra sweetness. Fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries also brightens the dish. When slicing, use a warm knife for clean cuts. Dip your knife in hot water, then wipe it dry. This helps you cut through the creamy filling without tearing it. Aim for even squares for a nice presentation. For the full recipe, check out the details in the previous sections. {{image_2}} You can switch up the chocolate in your cheesecake bars. Try using dark chocolate or white chocolate chips. Both bring a new taste and richness. If you love fruit, add some raspberries or strawberries. Their tartness balances the sweet cheesecake. You can fold in the fruit or place it on top before serving. Each bite will burst with flavor. The crust can change the whole feel of the bars. Instead of graham crackers, use Oreo cookies for a chocolatey twist. You can also crush chocolate chip cookies for a fun, chewy base. If you need a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free cookies. These alternatives keep the bars tasty while meeting dietary needs. Toppings make your cheesecake bars even better. Drizzle caramel or fudge sauce on top for a sweet finish. You can also sprinkle nuts or crunchy toppings for a nice texture. Chopped almonds or pecans add a great crunch. If you love whipped cream, serve a dollop on the side. These simple touches make your bars look and taste special. For the full recipe, follow the instructions carefully to create a delicious treat. To keep your chocolate chip cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This extra layer protects them from freezer burn. In the fridge, these cheesecake bars last about five days. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to three months. To know if they have gone bad, check for a sour smell or any mold. If you see any changes in color or texture, it’s best to toss them. If you froze your cheesecake bars, it’s easy to refresh them. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want to warm them up, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will make them soft and tasty again. Enjoy your delicious chocolate chip cheesecake bars! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend well together. How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking? The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean but may have some creamy filling on it. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe? You can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may change a bit. Full-fat cream cheese gives a richer taste and creamier texture. Can I substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt? Yes, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It adds a nice tang and keeps the bars creamy. What can I use if I don't have graham crackers? You can use crushed cookies like Oreos or any other cookie you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if necessary. What is the best way to serve cheesecake bars? Cut the cheesecake bars into squares and serve them chilled. They taste even better with a dollop of whipped cream on top. Can I decorate them before serving? Absolutely! You can drizzle chocolate sauce, add fresh fruit, or sprinkle some nuts on top. It makes the bars look and taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. In this post, I shared how to make delicious chocolate chip cheesecake bars. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to get great results. Remember to play with flavor variations and toppings for a unique twist. Store these treats properly to enjoy them longer. Whether you're a baker or a dessert lover, I hope you find joy in making and sharing these bars. Happy baking!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in these irresistible Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars that combine creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate in every bite! This easy recipe guides you through creating a delicious graham cracker crust and smooth filling, perfect for any occasion. Make your dessert table unforgettable—click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with these tasty treats!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 tablespoon sugar

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

¾ cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

    In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until well combined.

      Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

        In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.

          Add ¾ cup sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

            Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until the mixture is completely smooth.

              Fold in the chocolate chips gently into the cheesecake filling.

                Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust, spreading it evenly.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.

                    Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven for about 1 hour.

                      Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight to set fully.

                        When ready to serve, cut into bars and enjoy!

                          - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling) | Servings: 12-16 bars