Make these decadent chocolate chip cheesecake bars that combine creamy cheesecake and melty chocolate chips into a simple baked treat. This recipe is perfect for parties or satisfying a sweet craving.
Author:jesscarter
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:5 hours 55 min
Yield:24 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for crust)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in 3/4 cup of the chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven and prop the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes. This slow cooling prevents cracking.
Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best texture.
Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake out of the pan. Cut into bars before serving.
Notes
For a richer crust flavor, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed chocolate wafer cookies.
If you prefer a no-bake version, chill the filling for at least 6 hours before slicing.
These bars slice beautifully when fully chilled. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.