Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Get ready to make your new favorite treat: these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are the perfect marriage of two classic desserts! Imagine a buttery chocolate chip cookie base, a luscious cream cheese layer, and more cookie dough baked on top for the ultimate indulgence. These bars are easy enough for a weeknight pick-me-up, yet decadent enough to impress at any gathering. If you love chocolate chips and crave creamy cheesecake, this is the recipe that brings it all together in every delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need any special ingredients to create something spectacular here—just pantry staples that come together for rich taste, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and beautiful golden color. Each one plays an important role, and together, they’re pure magic.
- Flour: The structure of the bars; stick with all-purpose for the perfect texture.
- Baking Soda: Adds just enough lift so the cookie layer isn’t dense.
- Salt: Turns up the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Butter (softened): Brings buttery richness; be sure it’s soft for even mixing.
- Sugar (granulated): Sweetens and gives the cookie layer that perfect chewiness.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Egg (for crust): Binds everything together and gives structure.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
- Chocolate Chips: Melty puddles of chocolate—use your favorite brand or mix in some chunks for extra decadence.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake layer—let it come to room temperature so it blends perfectly.
- Sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cheesecake and smooths the tang of the cream cheese.
- Egg (for filling): Sets the creamy layer for just the right texture.
- Vanilla (for filling): Gives the cheesecake layer irresistible depth.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, then give it a good spray of nonstick—this little step ensures your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars won’t stick and will lift out effortlessly after chilling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This way, all your leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed before joining the party.
Step 3: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until fluffy and light. This is what gives your base that classic cookie texture and caramel undertone.
Step 4: Add the Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is silky and smooth. Trust me—this makes a world of difference in the flavor of your finished bars!
Step 5: Combine and Fold in Chocolate Chips
Mix the flour mixture into your wet ingredients until just incorporated. Fold in all those yummy chocolate chips; resist the urge to overmix to keep everything soft.
Step 6: Form the Bottom Layer
Press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into your prepared pan, creating an even base. This will be that dreamy chewy layer under the creamy cheesecake.
Step 7: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and blended—no lumps allowed! Pour and gently spread over your cookie base.
Step 8: Add the Topping
Crumble the rest of the cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, creating little patches and crags so some cheesecake peeks through (it looks beautiful this way!).
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the center of your oven for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheesecake is just set. It should jiggle ever so slightly in the middle—resist overbaking.
Step 10: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Let your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars cool completely, then pop the pan in the fridge. They’re easiest to slice—and tastiest to eat—when completely chilled.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
Dress up your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a shower of mini chocolate chips, or even a dollop of whipped cream. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce takes them right over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair your bars with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness. For something simple, serve with freshly brewed coffee or a tall glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars into bite-sized pieces for a dessert platter, or serve in decorative cupcake liners for an easy grab-and-go treat at parties. Stack them for a rustic look, or layer with extra cookie crumbs in jars for a portable parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen and become even more irresistible with a little time!
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars a bit warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds. This brings out the chocolate chips’ gooeyness without melting the cheesecake layer.
FAQs
Can I use a different size pan if I don’t have a 9×9?
Absolutely! You can use an 8×8-inch pan for slightly thicker bars or double the recipe for a 9×13-inch pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time—the bars will be a bit thicker and may need a few extra minutes.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Use your favorite chocolate chips—semi-sweet are traditional, but milk, dark, or even a mix adds fun flavor. Mini chips or even chocolate chunks give extra melty pockets throughout the bars.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour, and check your chocolate chips for any hidden gluten.
Why do the bars need to chill before cutting?
Chilling helps the cheesecake layer set fully, so your bars slice neatly and hold their shape. Warm bars are tempting, but they can be gooey and a bit messy to cut.
Can I add nuts to Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely—chopped walnuts, pecans, or even sliced almonds make a fantastic addition. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for extra crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly special, you have to try making these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. Each bite is a little adventure in texture and taste, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or just as a treat for yourself. Bake a batch, share a few smiles, and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe!
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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie in these delectable Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. A heavenly dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2/3 cup softened Butter
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 2 tsp Vanilla
- 2 cups Chocolate Chips
Filling:
- 8 oz softened Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 1 Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt for crust.
- Cream together butter, brown sugar, and sugar until fluffy.
- Add egg and vanilla and whip to incorporate.
- Add flour mixture and mix until incorporated.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Press 2/3 of the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer.
- Combine filling ingredients (Cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla) and beat until blended.
- Spread filling over the cookie dough layer and level.
- Crumble remaining crust dough over the filling layer.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until cheesecake is set and cookie dough has browned.
- Allow to cool completely and chill before slicing.
Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with nonstick spray.
Notes
- For a twist, try adding a layer of caramel or nuts between the crust and filling.
- These bars are best served chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, Dessert Recipe, Cheesecake Recipe, Chocolate Chip Recipe
