Prepare to embark on a decadent journey of pure chocolate bliss! These Amazing Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary masterpiece that will transform your ordinary day into an extraordinary chocolate experience. With a rich, velvety chocolate cheesecake filling nestled on a crisp chocolate cookie crust, these bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who believes that chocolate makes everything better. Whether you're a serious chocolate lover or just looking to impress your friends and family, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon in the dessert world.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Dessert
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- Chocolate cookie crumbs
- Butter, melted
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Sift cocoa powder into the mixture and blend until the batter is uniformly chocolate-colored with no streaks.
- Fold in chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the cheesecake batter.
- Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter over the prepared cookie crumb crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow them to set completely.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 equal squares.
- Serve chilled and optionally garnish with additional chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother, lump-free batter.
- Don't Overmix: When adding eggs, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cheesecake.
- Prevent Cracks: Avoid overbaking by removing the bars when the center is still slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.
- Chill Thoroughly: For the best texture and easiest cutting, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Clean Cut Technique: Use a hot, clean knife and wipe it between cuts for perfectly smooth bar edges.
- Storage Tip: These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
- Customize Your Bars: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips or add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 275kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 91mg
