Why You’ll Love This chocolate chip cheesecake bars
- Ease of preparation: This chocolate chip cheesecake bars recipe is straightforward and quick, requiring minimal ingredients and about 10 minutes of active prep. It’s perfect for busy days or last-minute dessert needs since most of the time is baking and chilling.
- Health benefits: Made with cream cheese which provides protein and calcium, these bars offer a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed in moderation. The combination of protein and moderate sugar helps tame sweet cravings while contributing valuable nutrients.
- Versatility: This recipe easily adapts to different preferences, including vegan and gluten-free versions by swapping cream cheese and cookie dough with plant-based and gluten-free alternatives, all while maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Distinctive flavor: The blend of creamy cheesecake filling melded with sweet, melty chocolate chips on a cookie dough crust offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making these bars a memorable and indulgent dessert.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This chocolate chip cheesecake bars
- 2. Essential Ingredients for chocolate chip cheesecake bars
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect chocolate chip cheesecake bars: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your chocolate chip cheesecake bars
- 5. Mastering chocolate chip cheesecake bars: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store chocolate chip cheesecake bars: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About chocolate chip cheesecake bars
- 8. chocolate chip cheesecake bars
Essential Ingredients for chocolate chip cheesecake bars
- 1 package (230 grams or 8 oz) cream cheese, softened – forms the rich, creamy cheesecake filling
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar – sweetens and balances the cheesecake’s tang
- 1 large egg, at room temperature – binds and firms up the filling
- 1/2 cup (optional) shredded coconut – adds subtle texture and flavor
- 1 package (500 grams or 18 oz) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough – creates a sweet, buttery crust and topping
Special Dietary Options:
- Vegan: Use plant-based cream cheese and egg replacers, and substitute cookie dough with vegan varieties.
- Gluten-free: Choose gluten-free chocolate chip cookie dough to maintain the crust’s crispness without gluten.
- Low-calorie: Opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes, and select lighter cookie dough options with fewer calories.
How to Prepare the Perfect chocolate chip cheesecake bars: Step-by-Step Guide
First Step: Preheat and prepare pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Select an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan and prepare it by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
Second Step: Mix cheesecake filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and the room temperature egg until the mixture is smooth and light. If desired, stir in shredded coconut for extra texture.
Third Step: Press cookie dough crust
Unroll or break apart slightly more than half of the refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base crust.
Fourth Step: Add cheesecake layer and topping
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie dough crust. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, distributing it evenly but loosely for texture.
Fifth Step: Bake until set
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the cheesecake layer should be firm but still slightly jiggly in the center. Use a toothpick or light touch to test. Thicker bars in an 8-inch pan might need a couple of extra minutes.
Final Step: Cool and chill
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the cheesecake filling. Once chilled, slice into 16 bars and serve. Garnish optionally with extra chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Tip: For cleaner slices, chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife heated briefly in warm water, wiping between cuts.
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your chocolate chip cheesecake bars
Protein and Main Component Alternatives
- Substitute traditional cream cheese with vegan cream cheese or blended silken tofu for plant-based protein and a creamy texture.
- Use flaxseed or chia egg replacements to bind the filling without eggs in vegan versions.
- Try almond flour or gluten-free cookie dough crusts for gluten sensitivity or different textures.
Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the cheesecake mixture to add warm spice notes and aroma.
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dairy-free chips or white chocolate for flavor variations.
- Incorporate fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry swirls into the cheesecake layer for a fruity twist.
Mastering chocolate chip cheesecake bars: Advanced Tips and Variations
- Pro cooking techniques: Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother blend and avoid over-mixing to prevent excess air bubbles.
- Flavor variations: Try swirling in peanut butter or caramel sauce before baking for added richness and complexity.
- Presentation tips: Dust bars with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate for a pretty finishing touch.
- Make-ahead options: These bars freeze well. Prepare ahead, freeze fully wrapped, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before slicing and serving.
How to Store chocolate chip cheesecake bars: Best Practices
| Storage Method | Guidelines | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Store bars in an airtight container or wrap tightly to maintain freshness and texture. | Up to 3 days |
| Freezing | Individually wrap bars in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe containers for longer storage. | Up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Thaw overnight in the fridge and serve chilled or warm slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if preferred. | As needed |
| Meal Prep Considerations | Ideal for batch preparation and portioning, these bars keep well and offer convenient, grab-and-go dessert options. | Varies |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About chocolate chip cheesecake bars
What ingredients do I need to make chocolate chip cheesecake bars?
To make chocolate chip cheesecake bars, you will need chocolate chip cookie dough (either store-bought or homemade), full-fat cream cheese for a creamy texture, granulated sugar, one egg, and vanilla extract. These basic ingredients come together to form both the cookie base and the creamy cheesecake layer.
How do you make chocolate chip cheesecake bars step-by-step?
Start by pressing the chocolate chip cookie dough into the bottom of a greased 9-inch square pan as the crust. Next, beat cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough base. Crumble some extra cookie dough on top before baking at 325°F (165°C) for about 40-45 minutes until the cheesecake layer is set but still slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before cutting.
Can I use homemade cookie dough instead of store-bought for these cheesecake bars?
Yes, homemade cookie dough works well and allows you to customize flavors or add-ins like nuts or different chocolate chips. Just be sure the dough is firm enough to hold together when pressed into the pan, and avoid dough with raw eggs if you’re concerned about food safety.
How do I get clean, neat slices when cutting cheesecake bars?
Chill the cheesecake bars in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight so they firm up. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This method helps the knife glide cleanly through the bars without sticking or crumbling.
Is it possible to freeze chocolate chip cheesecake bars, and how should I do it?
Yes, these bars freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. To serve, thaw the bars in the refrigerator for several hours. Freezing can improve texture and makes cutting easier. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent sogginess.
chocolate chip cheesecake bars
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 16 bars
Description
🍫 Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars blend a creamy, rich cheesecake filling with a sweet cookie crust for a delightful dessert experience.
🍪 Perfect for gatherings or make-ahead treats, these bars offer easy prep and a crowd-pleasing flavor combination.
Ingredients
– 230 grams cream cheese
– 100 grams granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut
– 500 grams refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
Instructions
First Step: Preheat and prepare pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Select an 8- or 9-inch square baking pan and prepare it by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper for easy removal.
Second Step: Mix cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and the room temperature egg until the mixture is smooth and light. If desired, stir in shredded coconut for extra texture.
Third Step: Press cookie dough crust. Unroll or break apart slightly more than half of the refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough. Press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the base crust.
Fourth Step: Add cheesecake layer and topping. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cookie dough crust. Crumble the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, distributing it evenly but loosely for texture.
Fifth Step: Bake until set. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown and the cheesecake layer should be firm but still slightly jiggly in the center. Use a toothpick or light touch to test. Thicker bars in an 8-inch pan might need a couple of extra minutes.
Final Step: Cool and chill. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the cheesecake filling. Once chilled, slice into 16 bars and serve. Garnish optionally with extra chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
🧁 Use refrigerated cookie dough to save time and simplify crust preparation.
🥥 Adding shredded coconut enhances flavor but is optional.
❄️ Chill bars thoroughly before cutting for clean slices; freezing can improve texture and slicing ease.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 18-19 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 10.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 32 mg
Keywords: chocolate chip cheesecake bars, cookie crust dessert, creamy cheesecake bars, sweet dessert bars