Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and melty semisweet chocolate chips. Perfectly baked to have a slightly jiggly center and set edges, these bars make a decadent dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.33 cups unsalted butter (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the cheesecake bars evenly.
- Prepare Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter thoroughly until the mixture is uniform. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust layer.
- Make Cheesecake Batter: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing to maintain a creamy texture.
- Assemble: Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to the edges.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center remains slightly jiggly when gently shaken. This ensures a creamy interior texture.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help them set firmly and enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, cut into bars and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Press the crust firmly to avoid it crumbling when cutting the bars.
- The slightly jiggly center after baking indicates a creamy texture; overbaking can result in a dry cheesecake.
- For easier cutting, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate chip cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, chocolate chips, graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake dessert
