“Chocolate Cheesecake Bars – Rich, Creamy & Easy to Slice!”

Why Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Are the Ultimate Dessert Mashup

Welcome, dessert lovers! If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a slice of cheesecake and a piece of rich chocolate cake, chocolate cheesecake bars are here to end the debate. These decadent treats combine the best of both worlds: a velvety chocolate cheesecake layered over a crisp cookie crust, all in a convenient handheld bar format.

Perfect for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, or those spontaneous chocolate cravings, these bars are as elegant as they are indulgent. They’re easy to slice, easy to serve, and even easier to devour. Whether you top them with a glossy ganache or keep them simple and classic, they’re guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert mashup that’s sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.

What Are Chocolate Cheesecake Bars?

Chocolate cheesecake bars are a layered dessert that starts with a chocolate cookie or brownie crust, followed by a luscious chocolate cheesecake filling, and optionally finished with a silky ganache topping. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, and deeply chocolatey.

Inspired by traditional cheesecake and brownie bars, this dessert takes the richness of cheesecake and elevates it with the bold flavor of cocoa and melted chocolate. The bar format makes them ideal for slicing into neat squares, perfect for sharing (or not!).

These bars are beloved for their decadent taste, elegant presentation, and make-ahead convenience. They hold up beautifully in the fridge, making them a smart choice for entertaining or gifting. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, chocolate cheesecake bars are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create these indulgent bars:

Crust

• 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs or chocolate graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tbsp melted butter

Filling

• 24 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 6 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, melted and slightly cooled

Ganache (Optional)

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• ½ cup heavy cream

Optional Add-ins

• 1 tsp espresso powder (enhances chocolate flavor)
• Pinch of sea salt (balances sweetness)
• Whipped cream or chocolate chips for garnish

Tip: Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling. Cold cream cheese can lead to a grainy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate using a microwave or double boiler. Let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
4. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder. Mix until well combined.
5. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Finish the Batter: Stir in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the melted chocolate. Mix until smooth and glossy.
7. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
8. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Optional Ganache: Heat heavy cream until just simmering, pour over chocolate, and stir until smooth. Spread over chilled bars and let set before slicing.

Tip: For clean, bakery-style slices, wipe your knife with a warm, damp cloth between each cut.

Taste & Texture Profile

Chocolate cheesecake bars are a dream come true for dessert lovers. The filling is silky and rich, with a deep chocolate flavor that comes from both cocoa powder and melted chocolate. It’s smooth and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy without overwhelming.

The crust adds a contrasting texture—crisp, buttery, and slightly salty—which balances the richness of the cheesecake layer. If you opt for the ganache topping, it adds a glossy, luxurious finish that melts in your mouth and makes each bite feel extra indulgent.

Optional touches like espresso powder deepen the chocolate flavor, while a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the sweet-savory balance. Whether served plain or dressed up with whipped cream or chocolate shavings, these bars deliver a decadent experience in every bite. They’re elegant enough for special occasions and easy enough for everyday cravings.