Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars: A Creamy Dessert with Irresistible Chocolate Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cheesecake bars are easy to prepare, require minimal equipment, and deliver rich, bakery-style flavor. They slice cleanly, store well, and are ideal for serving a group. The chocolate chips add texture and sweetness without overpowering the classic cheesecake base.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese is the foundation of the filling. It provides the signature tangy flavor and smooth, creamy texture essential to cheesecake.

Granulated sugar sweetens the filling while helping create a silky consistency when blended with the cream cheese.

Eggs add structure and stability, ensuring the bars set properly while remaining creamy.

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and rounds out the sweetness of the cheesecake.

All-purpose flour helps stabilize the filling slightly, making the bars easier to slice cleanly.

Chocolate chips add rich bursts of chocolate throughout the bars, creating contrast with the creamy base.

Butter contributes richness and moisture, especially if used in the base layer.

Graham cracker crumbs form a classic, slightly crunchy base that complements the smooth filling.

Salt balances sweetness and sharpens the flavors.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 170°C and line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a small amount of sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even base.

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Add the sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gently mix in the flour and salt, taking care not to overmix.

Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.

 3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 bars.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Baking time is 40 minutes.
Chilling time is at least 2 hours.
Total time required is roughly 3 hours.

Storage/reheating

Store Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They can also be frozen for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. These bars are best served chilled and do not require reheating.

Variations and Customizations

These cheesecake bars are highly adaptable and can be customized in several ways. For a richer chocolate flavor, use a mix of dark and semi-sweet chocolate chips. White chocolate chips also work well and create a sweeter, creamier profile.

The crust can be adjusted to suit different tastes. Digestive biscuits or chocolate cookie crumbs make excellent alternatives to graham crackers. Adding a small amount of cocoa powder to the crust creates a deeper chocolate base.

Flavor additions can elevate the filling further. A swirl of chocolate ganache or caramel added before baking creates a visually appealing marbled effect. For texture, chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts can be folded in alongside the chocolate chips.

For a lighter variation, reduced-fat cream cheese can be used, though the texture will be slightly less rich. The recipe remains forgiving and produces reliable results with minor adjustments.

Nutrition and Dietary Info

These bars are a rich dessert, providing fats and carbohydrates along with protein from dairy and eggs. Enjoyed in moderation, they fit well into a balanced diet. Using smaller portions and high-quality chocolate helps maintain flavor while controlling sweetness.

Expert Tips & Customizations

Use room-temperature cream cheese
This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth batter.

Do not overmix
Overmixing can introduce excess air and cause cracking.

Line the pan properly
Parchment paper makes removal and slicing much easier.

Chill before slicing
This ensures clean edges and neat presentation.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they are ideal for making a day in advance.

Do I need a water bath?

No, this recipe is designed to bake evenly without one.

Can I use mini chocolate chips?

Yes, they distribute very evenly throughout the filling.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Minor cracks can occur from overbaking or rapid cooling.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cookie crumbs for the base.

Are these bars freezer-friendly?

Yes, they freeze very well when wrapped properly.

Can I reduce the sugar?

A slight reduction is possible, but texture may change.

What size pan works best?

An 8×8-inch or similar-sized pan is ideal.

Can I add a topping?

Chocolate drizzle or whipped cream pairs nicely.

How long should they chill?

At least two hours, though overnight is best.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars offer everything people love about cheesecake in a convenient, shareable form. With their creamy texture, balanced sweetness, and pockets of chocolate, they are an excellent choice for gatherings or make-ahead desserts. This recipe delivers consistent results and timeless appeal with minimal effort.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!