Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Delicious and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a smooth cream cheese filling studded with semisweet chocolate chips. These bars are baked to perfection, offering a perfect blend of rich cheesecake and chocolate in every bite, ideal for dessert or special occasions.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.33 cups unsalted butter (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture is even and holds together. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar 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 for flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust in the pan. Spread the mixture to form an even layer.
- Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Cooling and Chilling: Allow the baked cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should be slightly jiggly to maintain a creamy texture.
- Use a greased baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Refrigeration is important for proper setting and easier slicing.
- To add variety, consider mixing in nuts or white chocolate chips.
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, cheesecake bars, chocolate chip dessert, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake, easy dessert recipe