If you’re ready to fall head-over-heels for your next favorite treat, allow me to introduce you to Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. These delightful bars combine the best of two worlds: rich, creamy cheesecake sandwiched between layers of nostalgic chocolate chip cookie dough. Every bite is a celebration of textures and flavors—perfectly golden cookie edges, pockets of melty chocolate chips, and a smooth, tangy cheesecake center. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or keeping a secret stash just for yourself, this is a recipe guaranteed to earn rave reviews!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these bars lies in their approachable ingredients. Each one plays its part in creating the harmony of soft, chewy cookie and luscious cheesecake—so don’t skip a step and reach for the freshest options for bakery-worthy results!
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the bars lift and chew without being dense.
- Baking soda: Just a touch is needed to help the cookie layer rise and stay soft.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the overall flavor of the bars.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Creams beautifully for a tender cookie dough and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar (both for dough & filling): Adds sweetness and a hint of crispness to the dough, and helps the cheesecake filling set up just right.
- Light brown sugar, packed: Infuses the bars with a subtle molasses flavor and soft texture.
- Large eggs (plus one for filling): Bind everything together, add moisture, and give that gorgeous, shiny finish.
- Vanilla extract (for both dough & filling): Rounds out the flavors and complements all the chocolatey, creamy notes.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the show, melting into gooey puddles and contrasting perfectly with the cheesecake layer.
- Cream cheese, softened: The essential component for that velvety, tangy filling that makes these bars impossible to resist.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your 9×13-inch baking pan ready. I recommend greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper for an easy, flawless release—nothing is sadder than losing a corner to a sticky pan!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get any surprises in texture or flavor later on. A quick whisk does wonders.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with the granulated sugar and packed light brown sugar. Beat until the mixture is creamy and lighter in color. This gives you that classic cookie base with just the right amount of chew and caramel-y undertones.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth—this adds moisture and the subtle aromatic note that brings all the flavors together. The mixture should look luscious and glossy at this stage.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; you want to keep the cookie dough tender. Finish off by folding in the chocolate chips until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Form the Cookie Layers
Press about two-thirds of your cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use lightly greased hands or the back of a spoon for an even base. The remaining dough gets reserved for the topping—a fun surprise to come.
Step 7: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, a large egg, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! The cream cheese layer is the heart of these bars.
Step 8: Assemble and Layer
Gently spread your cheesecake mixture over the cookie dough base, smoothing it out to every corner. Next, drop spoonfuls of the reserved cookie dough over the cheesecake. Don’t worry if it doesn’t fully cover; those peeks of cheesecake look beautiful after baking!
Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set but still jiggles slightly. Let the bars cool completely in the pan—patience is key for clean, neat slices and the best texture.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes these bars extra photo-worthy. You can also drizzle a little melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a bakery-style finish!
Side Dishes
Pair these rich Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars with a cold glass of milk, strong coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, sweet bars are beautifully balanced by a simple, refreshing drink or a cool spoonful of ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties and potlucks, cut the bars into small, bite-sized squares and display them on a beautiful platter. They also make gorgeous gifts when wrapped in parchment and tied with a ribbon—who wouldn’t love a box of homemade Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days—if they last that long! The flavors actually deepen after a day, making them even more irresistible.
Freezing
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars freeze surprisingly well. Wrap individual bars or the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for an easy make-ahead treat.
Reheating
These bars don’t need reheating, but if you crave that soft, melty chocolate, pop a bar in the microwave for 10 seconds. The centers warm up beautifully, and the chocolate chips return to a freshly-baked gooeyness.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of chocolate chip?
Absolutely! Swap in milk, dark, or even white chocolate chips if you like, or use a combination for added depth and fun. Just keep the total amount to about 2 cups for the best texture.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. The results are just as delicious—just ensure your oats and chocolate chips are gluten-free if needed.
How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The bars are ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set but not overbaked. The cheesecake layer should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. It will firm up as it cools.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even dried fruit can be gently folded into the cookie dough for an extra crunch or flavor twist. Personalize your Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars to match your cravings!
Do I have to chill the bars before serving?
Chilling isn’t strictly necessary, but it does make slicing easier and creates neater edges. For extra gooey bars, enjoy them slightly warm, but for the classic cheesecake bar experience, chilling is the way to go.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that delivers both nostalgia and a wow-factor, look no further than these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. They’re a sweet little labor of love, but every step is worth it. I can’t wait for you to share these with your family and friends—don’t be surprised when everyone comes back for seconds!
Print
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect marriage of chocolate chip cookies and creamy cheesecake with these decadent Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. A rich and satisfying dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare cookie dough: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars, then add eggs and vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, stir in chocolate chips.
- Assemble: Press two-thirds of cookie dough into pan. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Spread over cookie dough. Drop spoonfuls of remaining cookie dough on top.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For gooey bars, underbake slightly and chill before cutting.
- Swap chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate, if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
