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Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 75 reviews

Decadent and rich chocolate cheesecake bars featuring an Oreo crust, a smooth chocolate-infused cream cheese filling, and a luscious chocolate ganache topping. Perfectly balanced for chocolate lovers looking for an indulgent dessert that’s easy to slice and serve.

Ingredients

Scale

Oreo Crust

  • 2 cups Oreo crumbs (about 2 rows of Oreos in a regular pack)
  • 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (melted)

Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

  • 24 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 cup White granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch process)
  • 8 oz Chocolate bar (melted; recommendation: Lindt 70%)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
  • 4 Large eggs (room temperature)

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oreo Crust: Preheat the oven to 325℉. Spray a 9×9-inch square pan with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides of the pan with parchment paper, then spray again to ensure easy removal. Using a food processor, blend the Oreos into fine crumbs. Combine the crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and mix well using a fork.
  2. Press the Crust: Pour the Oreo crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the crumbs evenly on the bottom of the pan; do not press them up the sides. Bake this crust for 12 minutes on the middle rack, then remove from the oven while preparing the filling.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate bar pieces into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, followed by 20 seconds and then 15-second intervals, stirring well each time, until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Mix the Cheesecake Batter: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder on high speed for 2 minutes until fully combined and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
  5. Add Melted Chocolate and Cream: Pour in the melted chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
  6. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each is combined to avoid overbeating which can create cracks during baking.
  7. Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter evenly over the baked Oreo crust. Bake at 325℉ for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when the pan is gently shaken.
  8. Cool Down Slowly: Turn off the oven and crack the door open. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 20 minutes to prevent sudden temperature change which could cause cracking. Then transfer the pan to a wire rack and cool completely at room temperature.
  9. Chill the Cheesecake: Cover the pan with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavors.
  10. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the 1/2 cup heavy cream over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 2 minutes to melt, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
  11. Decorate and Serve: Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan using the parchment paper edges. Pour the ganache evenly over the top and spread with an offset spatula for a smooth finish. For neat slicing, place the bars in the freezer for 10 minutes before cutting. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and even baking.
  • Carefully melt chocolate in short microwave bursts to prevent burning or seizing.
  • Pressing the crust firmly helps prevent it from crumbling when sliced.
  • Allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven helps minimize cracking.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight enhances flavor and texture.
  • Using an offset spatula for spreading ganache yields a clean, professional look.
  • For easier slicing, chill bars in freezer for a short time before cutting.

Keywords: chocolate cheesecake bars, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate ganache dessert, easy cheesecake bars, rich chocolate dessert

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