Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine a creamy cheesecake filling with sweet chocolate chips on a crunchy graham cracker crust. These bars are perfect for a simple dessert that feels decadent and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.33 cups unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture. Pour this filling over the prepared crust and spread it out evenly.
- Step 4: Bake the bars for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra rich crust, toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with butter.
- Swap semisweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should remain a little jiggly to keep the bars creamy.
Storage
Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To enjoy, serve chilled or at room temperature. They can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes, a cookie crust like crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits works well as a substitute for the graham cracker crust.
Do I need to use room temperature cream cheese?
Yes, using softened cream cheese helps create a smooth batter and prevents lumps in the cheesecake filling.
PrintChocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine a rich and creamy cheesecake filling with sweet semisweet chocolate chips on a buttery graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection, they are a delightful dessert that offers the perfect balance of texture and flavor, ideal for any occasion or a sweet treat at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.33 cups unsalted butter (melted)
Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake bars.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture is evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to add flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust in the baking pan. Spread it out smoothly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly before slicing into bars and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother batter.
- Do not overbake; the center should jiggle slightly to keep the cheesecake creamy.
- For sharper slices, chill the bars overnight.
- You can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips according to preference.
- Ensure the baking pan is well greased or lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, cheesecake bars, chocolate chip dessert, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake
