Are you ready to indulge in a dessert that will satisfy your chocolate cravings and impress your guests? Look no further than Chocolate Cheesecake Bars , These decadent treats combine the rich, creamy goodness of chocolate cheesecake with a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, making them not only delicious but also visually stunning. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply treating yourself, these bars are easier to make than a traditional cheesecake and serve a crowd effortlessly.
What sets these chocolate cheesecake bars apart is their incredible texture and flavor. The creamy filling is perfectly balanced – not too sweet and bursting with rich chocolate flavor. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just someone who enjoys a good dessert, these bars are sure to be a hit. Plus, they can be made ahead of time, allowing you to focus on your guests instead of spending all your time in the kitchen. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore why this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Springform Pan Needed: Unlike traditional cheesecakes, you won’t need a springform pan for these bars. Simply prepare them in a 9×13 inch baking dish, making it easier to slice and serve.
- Higher Crust-to-Cheesecake Ratio: If you’re a fan of crust, these bars will be your favorite. With a thicker layer of Oreo crust, every bite is a delightful combination of cookie and creamy cheesecake.
- Easier to Transport: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or parties, the bars can be easily cut into squares, making them simple to transport and serve.
- Feeds a Crowd: This recipe yields about 15 bars, making it perfect for gatherings. Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday celebration, or just a casual get-together, these bars are sure to please.
- Customizable: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to customize it to your liking.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The rich chocolate flavor is complemented perfectly by the tangy cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s indulgent but not overwhelmingly sweet.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these chocolate cheesecake bars in no time.
- Ideal for Make-Ahead Desserts: These bars need to chill for at least four hours, which means you can prepare them a day in advance. This saves you time and stress on the day of your event.
- Deliciously Satisfying: One bite of these creamy bars will leave you wanting more! They’re rich, decadent, and satisfying, making them a fantastic treat for any occasion.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy dinner party, these chocolate cheesecake bars are versatile enough to fit any setting.
Ingredients
To make these delicious Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Oreo Crust:
- 36 Oreo cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:
- 10 oz dark chocolate (chopped, preferably 50-70% cocoa)
- 24 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps to bind the cheesecake)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
For the Optional Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (chopped, about 50% or semi-sweet)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
Tips for Ingredients:
- Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. The richness of the chocolate will significantly affect the overall taste of your cheesecake bars.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smooth batter without lumps.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the crust; this allows you to control the saltiness of the final dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Crush the Oreos: In a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies until they turn into fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can place the cookies in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
- Combine with Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed Oreos with melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and can hold together when squeezed.
- Press into Pan: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Press the Oreo mixture into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. This helps it become crispy.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, chop the dark chocolate into small pieces. Melt it using a microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring in between, or over a double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and cornstarch until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add Sour Cream and Chocolate: Mix in the sour cream and melted chocolate, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together. Gradually add the eggs to the cheesecake mixture, mixing on low speed until combined but avoiding overmixing.
- Spread the Filling: Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked Oreo crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
- Bake: Place the pan in the middle of the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool Slowly: Once baked, turn off the oven and crack open the oven door. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for about 10 minutes to prevent cracks.
- Chill in the Fridge: Remove from the oven, cool to room temperature, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)
- Chop Chocolate: Finely chop the chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl.
- Heat the Cream: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until almost boiling.
- Make Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 3-5 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
- Top the Cheesecake: Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake bars, spreading it evenly. Return the bars to the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 5: Serve
- Cut into Bars: When ready to serve, cut the cheesecake into squares. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat pieces.
- Enjoy: Serve the bars chilled, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for an extra touch.
Expert Tips
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, stick to full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Avoid using low-fat or whipped varieties, as they won’t provide the same results.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: The quality of your chocolate will significantly affect the taste of your cheesecake. Opt for higher cocoa percentages for a richer flavor.
- Prevent Cracking: To minimize the risk of cracks, bake your cheesecake bars in a slightly humid environment. You can achieve this by placing a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of your oven while baking the cheesecake.
- Cool Gradually: Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Chill Properly: Always chill the cheesecake bars for at least four hours before serving. This not only sets the filling but also enhances the flavor.
Variations
- Add Flavorings: Consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee to the cheesecake mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Top with Fruit: Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, can add a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top of the ganache for added texture and flavor.
- Swirl in Caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before chilling for a delicious caramel-chocolate combination.
- Mint Chocolate Variation: For a refreshing twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cheesecake batter for mint chocolate cheesecake bars.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are perfect for any occasion. Serve them at birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet treat after dinner. They can be enjoyed on their own or dressed up for a more elegant presentation. Here are some serving ideas to enhance your cheesecake bars:
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each bar for an extra layer of creaminess.
- Fresh Berries: Garnish with raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the rich chocolate.
- Dust with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the tops with cocoa powder for a refined and professional look.
- Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled until ready to serve.
Freezing: You can freeze the bars for longer storage. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
These Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are guaranteed to impress your family and friends with their rich flavor and elegant presentation. They’re easy to make, adaptable to your taste preferences, and perfect for any occasion. Get ready to wow your guests and indulge in one of the most delicious desserts you’ll ever make!
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Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 15 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Bars with a rich, creamy filling and a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself, these bars are simple to make and sure to impress. A delightful balance of chocolate and cream cheese makes this dessert irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Oreo Crust:
- 36 Oreo cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:
- 10 oz dark chocolate (chopped, preferably 50-70% cocoa)
- 24 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup sour cream (room temperature)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
For the Optional Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz dark chocolate (chopped, about 50% or semi-sweet)
- ⅔ cup heavy cream (or whipping cream)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs. Combine with melted butter and press into a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes. - Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:
Melt the dark chocolate. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch. Add sour cream and melted chocolate, then mix in eggs one at a time. Pour over the cooled Oreo crust. - Bake the Cheesecake Bars:
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30-35 minutes. Cool in the oven for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. - Prepare the Ganache (Optional):
Heat the heavy cream and pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Pour ganache over the chilled cheesecake bars. - Serve:
Cut into bars and serve with whipped cream or berries.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for best results.
- Chill the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours to set.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 85mg