Make rich chocolate cheesecake bars with a simple crust. This recipe delivers a creamy, fudgy texture perfect for parties.
Author:ariathompson
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:4 hours 55 min
Yield:24 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Prepare the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated.
Gently fold in the cooled, melted bittersweet chocolate until streaks disappear. Do not overmix.
Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the bars cool in the oven for 30 minutes. This helps prevent cracking.
Remove the bars from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting into squares or bars.
Notes
For an Oreo crust, substitute the graham crackers with 2 cups of finely crushed Oreo cookies (filling removed).
If you want a more decadent dessert, top the bars with a simple chocolate ganache after they have fully chilled.
To achieve perfect texture cheesecake bars, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
These bars store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.