Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Chocolate cheesecake bars have a special place in my heart—each bite is a little morsel of bliss that transports me back to my childhood. The combination of rich cream cheese and decadent chocolate, all tucked into a buttery Oreo crust, makes it the ultimate indulgence for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re planning a special gathering or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, these bars are the perfect treat. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe stands out for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and those just starting their culinary journey. The combination of creamy cheesecake and a crunchy crust is a match made in dessert heaven, while the added ganache gives it that luxe touch. Plus, these bars are an excellent choice for all occasions—be it a birthday party, a family BBQ, or just a sweet night in.
"I made these for a gathering, and everyone was raving about them! The texture was perfect, and they disappeared within minutes."
Preparing Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Ready to indulge in this delightful chocolate cheesecake experience? Here’s how this scrumptious recipe comes together: you’ll start by creating the crust, then prepare the creamy filling, bake it to perfection, and finally top it off with a smooth ganache. The whole process is straightforward and incredibly rewarding!
What You’ll Need
To get started, gather these ingredients:
- 1 package Oreo cookies (for crust)
- 5 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (for ganache)
Feel free to explore substitutions—like using gluten-free Oreos for a gluten-free version!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Crush the Oreo cookies finely and mix them with melted butter until combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in vanilla extract, melted chocolate, and cocoa powder.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but slightly wobbly—don’t overbake!
- Once baked, allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely to room temperature.
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake bars, spreading it evenly for a beautiful finish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up before cutting into bars and serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
These chocolate cheesecake bars are incredibly versatile! Serve them chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to cut through the richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try drizzling some caramel sauce over the bars for a delicious twist!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store your chocolate cheesecake bars, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this ensures a smooth filling without lumps.
- When mixing in the eggs, avoid overmixing—this helps prevent cracking during baking.
- Use quality chocolate for the ganache; it will make a noticeable difference in flavor!
Creative Twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Consider adding a layer of peanut butter for a delightful peanut butter chocolate cheesecake bar. You could also sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed candy bars on top of the ganache for added texture.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time, including baking and chilling, is around 5 hours, with active preparation time being about 20 minutes.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Oreo cookies?
Graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits can serve as a great alternative for the crust.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Now that you’re equipped with all the essential details, it’s time to get baking! These chocolate cheesecake bars are sure to impress and delight everyone at your table. Enjoy every bite!
Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 package Oreo cookies Crushed finely
- 5 tablespoons butter Melted
For the cheesecake filling
- 16 oz cream cheese Softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup melted semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
For the ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate Chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
- Crush the Oreo cookies finely and mix them with melted butter until combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust.
Making the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in vanilla extract, melted chocolate, and cocoa powder.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth it out evenly.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but slightly wobbly—don’t overbake!
- Once baked, allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely to room temperature.
Making Ganache
- For the ganache, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Pour it over the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake bars, spreading it evenly for a beautiful finish.
Chilling
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up before cutting into bars and serving.
