The Best Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars in 1 Simple Recipe

Oh my gosh, you HAVE to try these chocolate chip cheesecake bars! They’re literally the perfect dessert mashup – rich, creamy cheesecake loaded with melty chocolate chips, all sitting on a buttery graham cracker crust. I’ve been making these bars for years, ever since my neighbor Linda brought them to our block party (and trust me, I begged her for the recipe!). What makes them special? That heavenly texture – just firm enough to hold its shape but still luxuriously smooth when you take a bite. Plus, they’re way easier than baking a whole cheesecake but taste just as indulgent. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just treating yourself!

Ingredients for The Best Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to make these dreamy bars:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full crackers)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Pro tip: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened – it makes all the difference for that silky smooth filling!

How to Make The Best Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Okay, let’s get baking! These bars come together so easily – you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create something this delicious. Just follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have perfect cheesecake bars every time.

Preparing the Crust

First things first – that buttery graham cracker crust! Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides (trust me, this makes removal SO much easier). Now, mix those golden graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan – I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down evenly. Pop this in the fridge to set while you make the filling.

Making the Cheesecake Filling

This is where the magic happens! Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s completely smooth – no lumps allowed! Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t rush this part – you want everything fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla (my secret is to use the good stuff!), then gently fold in those chocolate chips. Pro tip: toss the chips in a bit of flour first – this helps them stay suspended in the batter instead of sinking to the bottom.

Baking and Cooling

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) while you finish prepping. Pour that luscious filling over your chilled crust and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes – you’ll know it’s done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Here’s the hardest part: resist cutting into it right away! Let it cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (I know, the wait is torture). This cooling time lets the flavors develop and makes cutting clean bars a breeze.

Tips for Perfect The Best Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

After making these bars countless times (my waistline can confirm!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks:

• Room temp is key – Leave the cream cheese out for at least 2 hours before mixing. Cold cream cheese = lumpy filling, and we don’t want that!
• The flour trick – Lightly coat chocolate chips in flour before folding them in – they’ll stay beautifully distributed instead of sinking to the bottom.
• Don’t overbake – The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out. It’ll firm up as it cools.
• Chill time matters – I know it’s tempting, but that 2-hour chill is non-negotiable for perfect slices.
• Sharp knife hack – Dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for those picture-perfect edges.

Follow these, and you’ll have bakery-worthy bars every single time!

Variations of The Best Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic version, sometimes I love mixing it up. Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate – they make such a pretty contrast against the creamy filling. Feeling fancy? Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. My cousin swears by adding a swirl of caramel sauce before baking (genius, right?). Even swapping graham crackers for Oreos creates a whole new delicious monster. Honestly, this recipe is like your favorite little black dress – endlessly adaptable!

Storing and Serving The Best Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

These bars are almost too good to share – almost! Keep them covered in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days (if they last that long). For serving, I love them straight from the fridge, but letting them sit at room temp for 10 minutes first makes that chocolate extra melty and dreamy. Stack them on a pretty plate for parties, or just grab one straight from the pan when no one’s looking – I won’t tell!

Nutritional Information

Each delicious bar contains about 320 calories, with 22g of sugar and 5g of protein. Remember, nutrition may vary slightly based on specific ingredients used – but let’s be real, these are totally worth it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use a different type of chocolate in these cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips or dark chocolate chunks work beautifully. Just keep the same 1 cup measurement. For a fun twist, try a mix of different chocolates – I love doing half semi-sweet and half milk chocolate.

Q2. How long can I store these cheesecake bars?
They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days when covered tightly. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Q3. My cream cheese is still cold – can I microwave it to soften quickly?
You can, but be careful! Microwave in 10-second bursts at 50% power, checking after each interval. You want it soft but not melted. Better yet, plan ahead – leaving it on the counter for 2 hours gives the best results.

Q4. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the graham crackers for gluten-free ones. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll still get that same delicious texture and flavor.

Now go make these chocolate chip cheesecake bars and prepare for the compliments to roll in! Tag me if you share photos – I love seeing your delicious creations. Happy baking! For more great recipes, check out Simply Recipes.

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