Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Bars feature a rich Oreo crust topped with a creamy, chocolate-infused cheesecake and finished with a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfectly balanced between sweet and bittersweet, these bars are an indulgent treat ideal for dessert lovers looking for a luscious chocolate experience in every bite.
- Author: Grace
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Oreo Crust
- 2 cups Oreo crumbs (about 2 rows of Oreos in regular pack)
- 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (melted)
Chocolate Cheesecake
- 24 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch process)
- 8 oz Chocolate bar (melted, I used Lindt 70%)
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs (room temperature)
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 325℉. Spray a 9×9-inch square pan with nonstick baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, spraying again to prevent sticking.
- Make the Oreo Crust: Using a food processor, blend the Oreos until they become fine crumbs. In a small bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with melted butter and mix thoroughly using a fork.
- Press the Crust: Pour the Oreo crumb mixture into the prepared pan, then compact the crust firmly using the bottom of a measuring cup, ensuring it covers only the bottom and not the sides.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove and set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chopped chocolate bar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in intervals (30 seconds, then 20 seconds, then 15 seconds repeated as needed), stirring well between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- Beat Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl sides.
- Add Chocolate and Flavors: Pour in the melted chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture creamy.
- Bake Cheesecake: Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter over the baked Oreo crust. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake bars sit inside for 20 minutes to cool gradually. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Chill: Cover the cooled bars with foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.
- Prepare Ganache: In a small bowl, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.
- Combine Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Decorate Bars: Remove the cheesecake bars from the pan, lift out using parchment paper, and place on a serving surface. Pour the ganache over the top and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- Set Ganache: For immediate serving, place the bars in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up ganache before cutting. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients like cream cheese, heavy cream, and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Use Dutch process cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when slicing the bars.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; a slight jiggle at the center indicates perfect doneness.
- Chilling overnight improves texture and flavor.
- Ganache can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated if it hardens too much.
Keywords: chocolate cheesecake bars, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate ganache dessert, creamy chocolate bars, baked cheesecake recipe