Few things are as universally loved as the combination of chocolate and cheesecake. It’s a match made in dessert heaven, and with these Amazing Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, you can bring that rich, decadent experience straight to your kitchen. Every bite of these bars offers a perfect balance of velvety chocolate and creamy cheesecake, all nestled on a buttery chocolate crust.
If you’re a fan of indulgent, show-stopping desserts that are surprisingly easy to prepare, you’re going to adore this recipe. These bars are everything you love about classic cheesecake with an irresistible chocolate twist — and they’re made without any alcohol, pork, or bacon products, ensuring they’re a hit for a wide range of dietary preferences.
The beauty of cheesecake bars lies in their simplicity. No water baths, no special springform pans, no stress. You still get all the creamy, luscious texture of a traditional cheesecake, but in a far more manageable form.
Chocolate lovers, this one’s especially for you. Between the chocolate crust, the smooth cheesecake layer, and optional toppings like chocolate drizzle or chocolate shavings, this dessert is a triple threat in the best way possible.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, birthdays, or simply when you need a little pick-me-up, these bars are as versatile as they are delicious. Their beautiful, layered appearance also makes them ideal for gifting or festive dessert tables.
What’s even better is that these cheesecake bars can be made ahead of time. In fact, they taste even better after a night in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
The combination of cream cheese and a touch of sour cream ensures the filling is silky smooth and rich without being heavy. The cocoa powder and melted chocolate in the batter deliver deep chocolate flavor, creating a truly luxurious dessert experience.
Beyond their amazing taste, these bars are also highly customizable. Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts on top, swirl in some caramel before baking, or even stir in mini chocolate chips for added texture.
And don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned baker. The step-by-step instructions are foolproof, so you’ll get gorgeous, delicious bars even if this is your first time making cheesecake from scratch.
When it comes to presentation, you can keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or go all out with a generous drizzle of melted chocolate.
One bite of these bars and you’ll understand why they’re destined to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. They’re everything you love about cheesecake and chocolate, combined into a convenient, portable treat.
Treat yourself and your loved ones to these Amazing Chocolate Cheesecake Bars — because sometimes, the best moments in life are a little sweet, a little rich, and a lot of chocolate.
Servings: Makes 16 bars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
Optional Toppings:
- Melted chocolate drizzle
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake crust for 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Mix in cocoa powder until incorporated.
- Stir in melted chocolate until the batter is smooth.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate shavings before serving, if desired.
Tips:
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and clean edges.
- Let cream cheese come to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should have a slight wobble.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
- Use a warm knife to slice for neat edges.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Deep chocolate flavor with creamy cheesecake texture.
- Easy to make with no water bath required.
- Stunning presentation with minimal effort.
- Perfect for making ahead.
- Endless possibilities for customization.
Summary:
These Amazing Chocolate Cheesecake Bars combine luscious cheesecake with rich chocolate flavor for an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With a buttery chocolate crust and a creamy, decadent filling, these bars are easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Amazing Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz 2 packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate melted and slightly cooled
Optional Toppings:
- Melted chocolate drizzle
- Chocolate shavings
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
- In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake crust for 8-10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
- Mix in cocoa powder until incorporated.
- Stir in melted chocolate until the batter is smooth.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with chocolate shavings before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Line the pan with parchment for easy removal and clean edges.
- Let cream cheese come to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Do not overbake; the center should have a slight wobble.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
- Use a warm knife to slice for neat edges.