Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you love the irresistible combo of creamy cheesecake and gooey chocolate chips, you’re about to meet your new favorite treat: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars! These bars deliver all the indulgence of a classic cheesecake but in an easy, hand-held form—baked atop a chocolate-studded vanilla wafer crust for pure dessert bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every part of these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, from the buttery crust to the creamy filling, is built from simple pantry staples that work together like magic. Each ingredient has a role: some bring richness, others a hint of crunch or that essential melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• 30 vanilla wafer cookies: These create a sweet, golden base with the perfect crumbly texture for our bars.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Just enough to add a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: A small punch of salt balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
• 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust together and adds a delicious richness.
• 2 tablespoons (10g) mini chocolate chips: These pockets of chocolate surprise are tucked right in the crust.
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the show—providing creamy, tangy cheesecake bliss.
• 3 large eggs: Eggs give structure, silkiness, and that classic cheesecake set.
• 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) granulated sugar: Sweetens the creamy filling just right without overpowering the tang of the cream cheese.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and that nostalgic, bakery aroma.
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) sour cream: Softens the filling, making it extra smooth and irresistibly creamy.
• 1/2 cup (3 ounces) mini chocolate chips: Scattered throughout the filling for chocolatey pops in every bite.

Variations

The beauty of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars is how endlessly adaptable they are! Don’t be afraid to let your creativity—or the contents of your pantry—inspire a fun twist on these crowd-pleasers.

• Swap the Chips: Try butterscotch, peanut butter, or white chocolate chips for a surprising new flavor profile.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers for an allergy-friendly treat with all the same crave-worthy creaminess.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the top with toasted pecans or a cinnamon streusel before baking for extra texture.
• Layer on Jam: Swirl a few spoonfuls of raspberry or strawberry jam into the cheesecake layer before baking for a fruity pop.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 8×8 baking dish. Line it with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on two sides—this trick makes it so much easier to lift the bars out cleanly after baking, keeping those layers beautiful and intact.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Crust

Add the vanilla wafer cookies to your food processor and pulse until you have fine, sandy crumbs—you need about 1 cup. Give the crumbs a boost with sugar and salt, pulsing a few times to combine, then drizzle in the melted butter and pulse again until clumps start to form (think wet sand that just holds together). Stir in the mini chocolate chips for little bursts of chocolate right in the base!

Step 3: Form and Bake the Crust

Scoop the crumb mixture into your lined pan and press it down firmly and evenly—you can use the bottom of a measuring cup for this. Bake for 10 minutes, just until the edges look a touch golden. Let the crust cool while you reduce your oven temperature to 325°F and prepare the filling.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until velvety-smooth, then blend in the eggs one by one, scraping down the bowl to keep things creamy. Next, add the sugar, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing only until just combined—you want the batter luciously thick, not overmixed. Fold in the mini chocolate chips for that classic chocolate chip cheesecake surprise in every bite!

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Spread the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top, and gently tap the pan on your counter to coax out any air bubbles. Bake at 325°F for 20–25 minutes, or just until the filling is mostly set but still a little wobbly in the center (you want that signature creamy cheesecake texture!). Turn off your oven, crack the door open, and let the bars rest inside for 30 minutes—this helps prevent cracks.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Let the pan cool completely on a rack to room temperature, then transfer to the fridge and chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better). Chilling not only makes them easier to slice, but deepens all those rich, creamy flavors. Slice into bars and get ready for smiles all around!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

Add a final flourish to your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars by drizzling them with melted chocolate, a dollop of whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar—each one makes the bars look bakery-worthy and adds a touch of extra sweetness or creaminess.

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with fresh sliced berries or a fruity salad for a wonderful contrast to all that creamy richness. They’re also fantastic alongside steaming mugs of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a little espresso for full-on dessert magic.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into neat squares or triangles for clean, elegant finger food at parties. For special occasions, stack them on a tiered stand with a scattering of chocolate chips or edible flowers, or package individual bars in parchment and twine for a charming homemade dessert gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars covered in an airtight container in the fridge—this not only keeps them fresh for up to five days, but actually helps deepen their flavor as they chill!

Freezing

To freeze, slice the bars and arrange in a single layer (or between sheets of parchment) in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for a cool, creamy treat any time.

Reheating

Cheesecake bars are best enjoyed chilled, but if you prefer a softer, almost-melted texture, let them rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving—the filling can separate if heated too quickly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both impressive and approachable, you truly can’t go wrong with Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. I can’t wait for you to experience that blissful blend of creamy, chocolatey goodness—these are the kind of treats that turn any everyday moment into a celebration. Happy baking, my friend!

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