Description

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the classic sweet flavor of chocolate chip cookies in one decadent dessert. Featuring a buttery cookie crust topped with a luscious cheesecake layer studded with semi-sweet chocolate chips, these bars deliver a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or special treats, they’re simple to make ahead and sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Cookie crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Make the Cookie Crust:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla extract. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in 1 cup chocolate chips. Press dough evenly into the prepared pan.
Bake the Crust:
Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Remove from oven and set aside.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and mix well. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Assemble and Bake:
Pour cheesecake mixture over warm cookie crust and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off oven and leave bars inside for 10 minutes with door slightly ajar. Remove and cool completely.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before cutting into bars. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from the pan, slice, and serve.

Notes

Substitute white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch in the crust or cheesecake layer.Swirl in raspberry or strawberry preserves before baking for a fruity twist.Use gluten-free flour blend to make crust gluten-free.Top with chocolate ganache for extra indulgence.