Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Sink your teeth into the velvety richness of these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, where buttery graham cracker crust meets creamy cheesecake studded with melty chocolate morsels. The tantalizing contrast between the smooth, vanilla-scented filling and the occasional burst of chocolate creates an irresistible dessert that transforms any ordinary moment into a special occasion. These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars strike the perfect balance between sophistication and comfort, making them a crowd-pleaser for potlucks, family gatherings, or midnight cravings. You’ll learn how to create bakery-quality cheesecake bars with perfect texture, avoid common pitfalls, and customize this versatile treat to your preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars will quickly become your go-to dessert for several compelling reasons. First, they deliver the luxurious taste of traditional cheesecake without the fuss of a springform pan or water bath. The textural contrast between the crunchy graham cracker base, silky cheesecake middle, and scattered chocolate chips creates a multi-dimensional treat that delights your palate with every bite.

I’ve perfected this recipe through dozens of tests to ensure it yields consistent results even for first-time bakers. The bars slice cleanly without crumbling, making them ideal for serving at gatherings or packaging as gifts. Unlike traditional cheesecake, these bars travel well and can be eaten by hand without plates or forks.

The versatility of these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars also makes them special. You can easily adapt them to different seasons or occasions by switching up mix-ins or toppings. Best of all, you likely have most ingredients in your pantry already, allowing you to whip up an impressive dessert without a special shopping trip.

Ingredients

For the perfect Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, gather these essential ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 2 cups (200g) graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons (38g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 packages (24 ounces/680g total) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups (265g) semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided

The cream cheese forms the foundation of these bars – use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and smoothest texture. Room temperature ingredients blend more seamlessly, preventing lumps in your cheesecake batter. For the chocolate chips, semi-sweet offers the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity, though you can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter profile or dark chocolate for a more complex flavor.

Pro Tips

Master the Crust
Achieving the perfect foundation for your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars starts with the crust. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into your pan using the bottom of a measuring cup, not just your fingers. This creates an even, compact base that holds together when sliced. For extra flavor complexity, toast the graham cracker crumbs in the oven for 5 minutes before mixing with butter.

Temperature Matters
The secret to crack-free Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars lies in temperature control. Always bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing—cold ingredients create lumps that never fully incorporate. After baking, allow the bars to cool gradually by turning off the oven, opening the door slightly, and letting them rest for 20 minutes before removing to room temperature. This prevents the dramatic temperature change that causes cracks.

Chocolate Chip Strategy
For perfect chocolate distribution throughout your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, coat 1 cup of chocolate chips lightly in flour before folding into the batter—this prevents them from sinking. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top during the last 5 minutes of baking. The chips will soften but maintain their shape, creating picturesque bars with chocolate visible in every slice.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray. The overhang creates handles that will help you lift the entire slab of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars out cleanly after cooling.

Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. I find using the flat bottom of a measuring cup creates the most even layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it smells fragrant and begins to turn golden. Remove and let cool slightly while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl – this prevents hidden lumps in your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. Add sugar and beat for another 2 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is incorporated. Stir in vanilla and sour cream until barely combined – overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause cracks.

Step 4: Add Chocolate and Bake
Toss 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of flour (this prevents them from sinking), then gently fold them into the batter with a rubber spatula. Pour the filling over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly to the corners. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle – it will continue cooking as it cools.

Step 5: Cool Properly
Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars cool in the oven for 20 minutes. Then remove and cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for at least 3 hours or overnight. This gradual cooling process ensures a perfect texture without cracks or condensation.

Variations

Chocolate Lover’s Cheesecake Bars
Transform these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars into an even more decadent treat by adding 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the cheesecake batter and using a chocolate cookie crust instead of graham crackers. Mix 2 cups of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with 5 tablespoons of melted butter for the crust. Top with a drizzle of chocolate ganache after cooling for an extra indulgent dessert that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.

Seasonal Fruit Cheesecake Bars
Adapt these versatile Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars throughout the year by incorporating seasonal fruits. In summer, fold 1 cup of fresh blueberries or diced strawberries alongside the chocolate chips. For fall, add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter and replace half the chocolate chips with chopped apples tossed in cinnamon sugar. The fruit adds delightful bursts of flavor and color while complementing the creamy cheesecake base.

Gluten-Free Option
Make these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars accessible to everyone by using gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust. For the almond crust, mix 2 cups almond flour with 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Press firmly into the pan and pre-bake as directed. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips are certified gluten-free for completely gluten-free bars that taste just as amazing as the original.

Storage and Serving

Store your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after the first 24 hours as the texture settles and the flavors meld together. For longer storage, freeze individual bars wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

For an elegant dessert presentation, top each Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bar with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few chocolate curls or berries. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a professional touch. For a decadent sundae-inspired treat, warm a bar slightly (about 10 seconds in the microwave) and top with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.

When transporting these bars to gatherings, chill them thoroughly first, then cut and place in a single layer in a container with parchment between layers. Keep refrigerated until about 20 minutes before serving – these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars taste best when slightly cooled rather than straight from the refrigerator.

FAQs

Why did my cheesecake bars crack on top?
Cracks typically form when Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars cool too quickly or are overbaked. Ensure you’re baking at the correct temperature (an oven thermometer helps), and always cool gradually by turning off the oven and leaving the door slightly ajar before removing to room temperature.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese, I don’t recommend it for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. The reduced fat content affects both texture and flavor, typically resulting in a less creamy, sometimes rubbery final product. Full-fat cream cheese produces the luxurious texture that makes these bars special.

How do I know when my cheesecake bars are done baking?
Perfectly baked Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars should have set edges but still maintain a slight jiggle in the center – similar to gelatin. If the entire surface jiggles like liquid, they need more time. If there’s no movement at all, they may be overbaked. The internal temperature should reach about 150°F (65°C) if you’re using a thermometer.

Can I make these bars without a stand mixer?
Absolutely! While a stand mixer makes the process easier, you can create delicious Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars with a hand mixer or even by hand with a whisk and some elbow grease. The key is ensuring your cream cheese is very soft and thoroughly beaten until smooth before adding other ingredients.

What’s the best way to get clean cuts when slicing?
For picture-perfect Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, chill them thoroughly first (at least 3 hours or overnight). Then, dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry before each cut, and cut with one clean, downward motion rather than sawing. Clean the knife between each cut for the sharpest edges.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are comfort food at its finest — a harmonious marriage of creamy indulgence and familiar chocolate chip cookie nostalgia. They represent the perfect balance between elegant dessert and approachable treat, offering the luxurious taste of cheesecake in a convenient, shareable form. It’s the kind of dessert that bridges generations, pleasing sophisticated palates while still delighting children. Whether you’re seeking an impressive contribution for a potluck, a make-ahead dessert for entertaining, or simply a special treat to brighten an ordinary day, these bars deliver satisfaction in every bite.

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