Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in these rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake bars with a buttery Oreo crust and decadent ganache, perfect for any chocolate lover.
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.
Notes
Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Consider drizzling caramel sauce over the bars for a twist. Store leftovers tightly covered for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.