Description

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars feature a rich and creamy cheesecake filling loaded with semisweet chocolate chips, nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfectly baked to achieve a slightly jiggly center and firm edges, these bars make a decadent dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight any crowd.

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 cups semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan to form the crust.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to combine thoroughly.
Add chocolate chips and assemble: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter until evenly distributed. Pour the filling over the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to fully set before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake mixture.
Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly to ensure creamy texture.
Refrigerating the bars before serving helps the bars hold their shape when cut.
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water for clean cuts.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate chip cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, chocolate chip dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake bars