Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars offer the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake filling and crunchy chocolate chips in every bite. Unlike traditional cheesecake that requires a water bath and hours of baking, these bars are simple to make and cut into perfect portions. The graham cracker crust provides a delightful textural contrast, while the chocolate chips add bursts of sweetness throughout. They’re ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want an impressive dessert without the fuss of a full-sized cheesecake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray.
Step 2: Make the Crust In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. Press firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should be firm and lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Chill Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into bars.
Helpful Tips
Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened before beginning – this prevents lumps in your cheesecake filling. Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a smoother texture. Don’t overmix the batter once you add the eggs, as this can incorporate too much air and cause cracking. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each slice. These bars actually taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours
Servings: 16 bars
Difficulty: Easy
Notes
These Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars can be customized with different types of chocolate chips such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even mini chips for more distribution throughout each bite. If you prefer a thicker crust, increase the graham cracker mixture by half and press into a 9×9-inch pan instead. The bars will keep their shape better if chilled overnight before serving, making them perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese? While you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, the texture will be less rich and creamy. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best results for these Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars.
How do I know when the bars are done baking? The edges should be set and lightly golden, while the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. The bars will continue to set as they cool.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars? Yes, these bars freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What if I don’t have graham crackers? You can substitute with vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies for a different flavor profile in your crust.
Storage Instructions
Store your Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, place parchment paper between layers if stacking. These bars can also be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Always keep refrigerated due to the dairy content, and bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious dessert bars? Try these crowd-pleasing recipes from our collection:
- Classic Lemon Bars – Tangy and sweet with a buttery shortbread crust
- Fudgy Brownies – Rich chocolate brownies that are perfectly dense and chewy
- Strawberry Crumb Bars – Fresh strawberries nestled in a tender crumb topping
Conclusion
These Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars prove that impressive desserts don’t have to be complicated. With their creamy cheesecake filling studded with chocolate chips and perfectly balanced graham cracker crust, they offer all the satisfaction of traditional cheesecake in a convenient, portable format. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating your family to something special, these bars deliver consistent, delicious results every time. The make-ahead nature of this recipe makes it perfect for busy schedules, while the familiar flavors ensure they’ll be a hit with dessert lovers of all ages.