Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet dreams come alive with these decadent chocolate chip cheesecake bars that blend creamy richness with classic cookie comfort.

Layers of smooth cream cheese melt perfectly against chunks of dark chocolate.

Soft, buttery graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch underneath the silky filling.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that dances between tangy and sweet.

Baking these bars feels like crafting an edible masterpiece right in your kitchen.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical that will make everyone ask for seconds.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable morsel of this irresistible dessert.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Star Power

• Quick and Easy Dessert: Whip up a delectable treat without complicated techniques or professional baking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Indulgence: Combines two beloved favorites – chocolate chip cookies and creamy cheesecake – into one irresistible bar.
• Prep-Ahead Friendly: Make the cookie dough in advance and freeze, allowing for stress-free preparation when you're ready to bake.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, casual parties, or just satisfying your sweet tooth craving.

Cheesecake Bar Pantry Musts

• Cookie Dough: Classic sweet dough that forms the foundational crust and topping of the cheesecake bars.
• Parchment Paper or Non-Stick Foil: Helps with easy removal and prevents sticking of the bars.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy, and tangy base for the cheesecake filling.
• Egg: Helps bind and set the cheesecake layer with a smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Lemon Juice: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle brightness and helps balance the richness.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the cheesecake bars.

Mix Up Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Oven Temperature

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure the rack is positioned in the center for even baking.

Step 2: Prepare Cookie Dough

Place the cookie dough in the freezer for 2-3 hours.

This will make slicing the dough much easier and more precise.

Step 3: Set Up Baking Pan

Take a 13×9 inch baking pan and line it completely with parchment paper or non-stick aluminum foil.

Ensure the paper extends slightly over the edges for easy removal later.

Step 4: Create Cookie Dough Crust

Carefully slice half of the frozen cookie dough into thin 1/4-inch slices.

Gently press these slices into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.

Step 5: Whip Cheesecake Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Egg
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon juice (optional)

Beat the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.

Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked cookie dough crust.

Step 6: Add Remaining Cookie Dough Topping

Slice the remaining frozen cookie dough into thin pieces.

Artfully arrange these slices on top of the cheesecake layer, creating a rustic, uneven surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Look for a golden top and a set (not jiggly) cheesecake layer as indicators of doneness.

Step 8: Cool and Chill

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Once cooled, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving.

Cheesecake Bar Tricks of the Trade

• Freeze cookie dough for 2-3 hours to make precise slicing easier and maintain clean edges.
• Use parchment paper overhang for simple bar removal and effortless cutting.
• Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and create ultra-creamy texture.
• Check cheesecake bars are set by gentle center jiggle – it should slightly wobble but not be liquid.
• Let bars sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and soften texture.

New Flavors for Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular cookie dough with gluten-free cookie dough mix and use almond flour for the base, ensuring celiac-friendly results.
• Vegan Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use egg replacer, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free chocolate chips, and incorporate Greek yogurt for reduced calorie content.
• Nutty Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the cookie dough layer for added crunch and rich nutty flavor profile.

Serve Up Cheesecake Bars

• Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Elegant Presentation Tip: Cut into neat squares and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a gourmet touch.
• Seasonal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh berries or mint leaves around the bars to add color and a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and cheesecake flavors.
• Brunch Delight: Offer as a decadent mid-morning treat with a hot cup of coffee or espresso for a luxurious weekend breakfast indulgence.

Stash Your Cheesecake Bars

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Preheat oven to 300F. Place bars on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until slightly softened. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before enjoying.
• Remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow bars to soften slightly and reach the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

• How do I ensure my cheesecake bars don't crack?

Use room temperature cream cheese and beat it gently to prevent air bubbles. Don’t overmix the cheesecake layer and avoid overbaking.

• Can I use different types of cookie dough?

Yes, you can substitute chocolate chip cookie dough with sugar cookie or peanut butter cookie dough for variety.

• Why should I freeze the cookie dough before slicing?

Freezing makes the dough firmer and easier to slice neatly, creating clean, even layers in your bars.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

Look for a set, slightly golden top and edges that pull away from the pan sides. The center should be just slightly jiggly but not liquid.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful chocolate chip cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with sweet chocolate chips, creating a heavenly dessert that melts in your mouth. Rich layers of indulgence promise to satisfy your deepest dessert cravings with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 40 ounces (1.13 kilograms) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
• 1 large egg

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal baking performance.
2. Remove cookie dough from refrigerator and place in freezer for 2-3 hours to facilitate clean, uniform slicing.
3. Prepare a 13×9-inch baking pan by carefully lining with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
4. Extract half of the frozen cookie dough and slice into uniform thin layers, gently pressing into the pan’s bottom to create an even crust.
5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool slightly.
6. Combine cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice in a mixing bowl, blending until silky smooth and free of lumps.
7. Spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly across the pre-baked cookie dough crust, ensuring complete coverage.
8. Retrieve remaining frozen cookie dough and slice into delicate layers, arranging artfully over the cheesecake filling.
9. Return pan to oven, baking for 35-40 minutes until cheesecake sets and top becomes golden brown with slight wobble in center.
10. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
11. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours or overnight to achieve perfect texture and easy slicing.

Notes

• Chilling the cookie dough beforehand makes slicing and layering much smoother and prevents sticky mess.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a silky, lump-free cheesecake layer that blends perfectly.
• Try different chocolate chip cookie dough variations like adding nuts or using dark chocolate chips for unique flavor profiles.
• Line the pan with parchment paper overhanging on sides for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 388 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg