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Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

These decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Bars feature a rich Oreo crust, a creamy chocolate cheesecake middle, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly baked with a slight jiggle in the center for the ideal texture, these bars are elegant and indulgent treats that combine the classic flavors of chocolate and cream cheese in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Oreo Crust

  • 2 cups Oreo crumbs (about 2 rows of Oreos in regular pack)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Chocolate Cheesecake

  • 24 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process)
  • 8 oz dark chocolate bar (melted, I used Lindt 70%)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×9-inch square pan with nonstick baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper. Spray the parchment again to ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make Oreo crust: Using a food processor, pulse the Oreos into fine crumbs. In a small bowl, mix the Oreo crumbs with melted butter using a fork until well combined.
  3. Press crust: Pour the Oreo crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the crumbs evenly across only the bottom. Do not press up the sides.
  4. Bake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes to set it while you prepare the cheesecake batter.
  5. Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate bar in intervals: first 30 seconds, stir, then 20 seconds, stir, and continue in 15-second intervals stirring well each time until fully melted and smooth.
  6. Beat cheesecake base: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder on high speed for 2 minutes until creamy and well blended. Scrape down the bowl sides.
  7. Add melted chocolate and liquids: Mix in the melted chocolate, 1/2 cup heavy cream, and vanilla extract on medium speed until smooth and combined.
  8. Add eggs: With the mixer on low speed, add the eggs one at a time and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  9. Bake cheesecake: Pour the batter over the baked crust. Bake for 40-50 minutes until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
  10. Cool slowly: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and allow the cheesecake to cool inside for 20 minutes to prevent cracking.
  11. Cool completely: Remove from oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool fully to room temperature.
  12. Chill: Cover loosely with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set completely.
  13. Prepare ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat the 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.
  14. Combine ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes to soften. Stir gently until smooth and glossy.
  15. Decorate and serve: Remove cheesecake bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Pour the ganache over the top and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes if serving immediately for easier cutting. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator until ready to slice and serve.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients (cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream) for the smoothest batter.
  • Be careful not to overmix eggs into the cheesecake to avoid cracking.
  • Slow cooling in the opened oven helps prevent cracks on the top of the cheesecake.
  • Chilling overnight yields the best texture and makes cutting bars easier.
  • Use parchment paper with spray on top and bottom for easy removal without breaking the crust.
  • If you prefer a less intense chocolate flavor, use a lighter chocolate bar such as milk chocolate.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 4 days, but best enjoyed fresh.

Keywords: chocolate cheesecake bars, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate ganache dessert, creamy cheesecake bars, homemade cheesecake bars

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/chocolate-cheesecake-bars-recipe/