Delicious chocolate cheesecake bars topped with chocolate ganache and whipped cream

Why Make This Recipe

Incredible Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. They combine the rich flavors of cheesecake with the delightful crunch of a graham cracker crust. This recipe is simple to follow and yields a delicious dessert that can please a crowd. Whether it’s for a birthday party, family gathering, or just a quiet night in, these bars are a great choice. They are sure to impress your friends and family with their creamy texture and luscious chocolate ganache topping.

How to Make Incredible Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
8 oz semisweet chocolate, melted
1 cup heavy cream

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla and eggs, mixing until everything is well combined.
Stir in the melted chocolate until it is fully incorporated into the mixture.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
Allow it to cool, then refrigerate while you prepare the ganache.
For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a pan until it is simmering. Remove it from heat and stir in the melted chocolate until smooth.
Pour the ganache over the cooled cheesecake bars.
Chill until the ganache is set, then cut into bars and serve.

How to Serve Incredible Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

To serve these delicious bars, cut them into squares or rectangles and place them on a platter. They pair wonderfully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also dust them with a little powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

How to Store Incredible Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about a week. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.

Tips to Make Incredible Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for the best mixing results.
Use a food processor to crush the graham crackers for a finer crust.
Let the bars cool completely before adding the ganache to prevent it from melting into the cheesecake.
For a fun twist, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the ganache before chilling.

Variation

You can try different flavors by adding additional ingredients, such as chopped nuts or a swirl of fruit puree on top of the cream cheese mixture before baking. You can also use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate for a lighter flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make them a day or two in advance. Just store them properly in the fridge.

Q: Can I use other types of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference.

Q: What should I do if my cheesecake bars crack while baking?
A: If they crack, don’t worry! Topping them with ganache can cover up any imperfections. Make sure not to overbake, as this can also cause cracks.