Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Decadent and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and melty semisweet chocolate chips. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a rich treat that’s easy to prepare and serve in bars.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture becomes evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to fully incorporate the flavors.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up before cutting and serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to create a compact base that holds together well.
- If desired, you can substitute semisweet chocolate chips with milk or dark chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for a creamier texture.
Keywords: Chocolate chip cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, easy cheesecake recipe, chocolate chip dessert, graham cracker crust dessert