Easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Deliciously creamy and loaded with chocolate chips, these easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Combining a smooth, velvety cheesecake layer with the nostalgic crunch of chocolate chips, these bars are simple to make and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a dessert to impress guests or a little something to satisfy your own sweet tooth, these bars strike the perfect balance of rich creaminess and chocolaty goodness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortlessly delicious: This recipe comes together quickly with simple steps that anyone can master.
  • Perfect texture: Creamy cheesecake paired with the delightful crunch of chocolate chips creates a satisfying contrast.
  • Versatile dessert: Great for potlucks, birthdays, or a comforting treat any day of the week.
  • Family friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the familiar flavor combination.
  • Customizable: Easy to tweak ingredients and flavors to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars requires just a handful of straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from creating a buttery crust to building a smooth, luscious filling dotted with melty chocolate chips.

  • Cream cheese: Provides the rich, creamy base essential for classic cheesecake texture.
  • Sugar: Balances the tanginess of cream cheese with just the right amount of sweetness.
  • Eggs: Help the cheesecake set perfectly while keeping it tender and moist.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
  • All-purpose flour: Adds structure to the filling and stable texture to the bars.
  • Chocolate chips: The star ingredient, bringing pockets of rich chocolate in every bite.
  • Butter: Combined with the crust ingredients for a golden, crumbly base.
  • Graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits: Create a sturdy, flavorful crust that complements the cheesecake layer.

Variations for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily you can personalize it. Whether you want to suit dietary preferences, add flair, or experiment with complementary flavors, these bars are a perfect canvas.

  • Nutty twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter or sprinkle on top for added crunch.
  • Fruit infusion: Swirl in raspberry or strawberry preserves for a fruity surprise in every bar.
  • Gluten-free crust: Substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free cookies to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Dark chocolate upgrade: Swap milk chocolate chips for dark or white chocolate to suit your taste.
  • Mini chocolate chip bursts: Use mini chocolate chips for more even chocolate throughout the bars.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by preheating your oven and combining the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and a touch of sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined baking pan to form an even crust.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually blend in sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour until fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Add the chocolate chips

Fold in the chocolate chips gently to distribute them evenly throughout the cheesecake batter, ensuring every bite gets a chocolate hit.

Step 4: Assemble and bake

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and spread evenly. Bake the bars until the edges are slightly golden and the center is set but still jiggles a bit.

Step 5: Cool and chill

Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight to develop the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

  • Room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t overmix: Mixing too much can introduce air that causes cracks or a dense texture.
  • Use a springform or lined pan: This makes removal and slicing easier.
  • Check doneness carefully: The center should still jiggle slightly to avoid overbaking and dryness.
  • Chill thoroughly: Refrigeration enhances the bar’s texture and flavor, so don’t skip this step.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

Decorate your bars with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a few extra chocolate chips on top for a pretty and tasty finish.

Side Dishes

These bars pair wonderfully with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert experience that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into small, bite-sized squares for party platters, or wrap individual bars in parchment paper bags tied with string for gifts or lunchbox treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and creaminess.

Freezing

Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to retain their luscious texture.

Reheating

For a warm treat, reheat individual portions briefly in the microwave—about 15 seconds—being careful not to melt the chocolate chips completely.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind it may result in a slightly less creamy texture.

What if I don’t have graham crackers for the crust?

Digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed Oreos work well as alternatives for the crust.

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake bars?

Mix ingredients gently, avoid overbaking, and cool the bars gradually to reduce the risk of cracks forming.

Can I make these bars vegan?

By using vegan cream cheese, egg substitutes like flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate chips, you can create a vegan version of these bars.

How thick should I cut the bars?

Cut into roughly 2-inch squares for perfect portion sizes that balance richness with ease of handling.

Final Thoughts

These easy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are one of my all-time favorite desserts to whip up and share. Their creamy, chocolaty goodness is perfect for any season or celebration. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them your own delicious tradition!

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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 16 bars (cut into 2-inch squares) 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (when gluten-free cookies are used for crust) or Regular

Description

Deliciously creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth velvety cheesecake layer dotted with melty chocolate chips, creating the perfect sweet treat that’s easy to make, family-friendly, and irresistible for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (milk, dark, or mini as preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined 9×9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
  2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and flour. Mix until fully combined and smooth, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Add the chocolate chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter to distribute them evenly, ensuring chocolate in every bite.
  4. Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden while the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  5. Cool and chill: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop the best texture and flavor before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks and dense texture.
  • Use a springform or lined pan for easy removal and slicing.
  • Check doneness carefully; the center should still jiggle slightly to avoid dryness.
  • Chill thoroughly in the refrigerator for optimal texture and flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 2-inch square)
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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