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Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 7 hours 22 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

These decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Bars combine a crunchy Oreo crust with a rich, creamy chocolate cheesecake filling, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this recipe offers a luscious dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Oreo Crust

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

Chocolate Cheesecake

  • 24 ounces Cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1 cup White granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process)
  • 8 ounces Chocolate bar (melted, recommended Lindt 70%)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
  • 4 Large eggs (room temperature)

Chocolate Ganache

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oreo Crust: Preheat your 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 the parchment again to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Oreo Crumbs: Using a food processor, blend the Oreos into fine crumbs. Combine the Oreo crumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and mix with a fork until well combined.
  3. Press Crust: Pour the Oreo crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly press the crumbs into an even layer only on the bottom of the pan (not up the sides).
  4. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Remove and set aside while preparing the filling.
  5. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the chocolate bar in intervals: 30 seconds then stir, followed by 20 seconds and stir, then continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring thoroughly each time, until smooth.
  6. Beat Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder on high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  7. Add Melted Chocolate and Cream: Mix in the melted chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the batter is smooth and uniform.
  8. Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
  9. Bake Cheesecake: Pour the batter over the baked Oreo crust. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
  10. Cool Cheesecake: Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 20 minutes to allow gradual temperature reduction. Then transfer the pan to a cooling rack to cool completely at room temperature.
  11. Chill: Cover the cheesecake bars with foil and place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.
  12. Prepare Ganache: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming but not boiling.
  13. Combine Ganache: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes to soften the chocolate. Stir gently until smooth and glossy.
  14. Decorate Cheesecake Bars: Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan by lifting the parchment paper. Pour the ganache evenly over the top and smooth it out with an offset spatula. For firmer ganache, place bars in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing. Otherwise, store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Make sure all your dairy ingredients and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when slicing.
  • If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate for melting.
  • Don’t overbake the cheesecake; a slight jiggle in the center ensures creamy texture after chilling.
  • Use an offset spatula for the smoothest ganache finish.
  • Keep cheesecake bars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Chocolate cheesecake bars, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate dessert bars, chocolate ganache cheesecake, easy cheesecake recipe

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/chocolate-cheesecake-bars-recipe-2/