These bars combine a rich, creamy cheesecake layer with melty chocolate chips and a buttery graham crust for an instantly shareable dessert. Serve them chilled for clean slices or warmed with a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence. If you love cookie-style desserts, try these blueberry chocolate chip cookies for another twist.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
- Decadent cheesecake flavor with familiar chocolate chip comfort
- Easy to make ahead and perfect for meal prep or parties
- Family-friendly — kids and adults both love the melty chips
- Slices hold up well as leftovers in the fridge
- Quick active time with a simple 4-hour chill for best texture
Ingredients Needed
- Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Filling
- 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add-ins & Topping
- 2 cups chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions 5 (always use H2 and H3)
1. Preheat and prepare the pan
Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
2. Make and press the crust
In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Beat the cream cheese and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed.
4. Add eggs and vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Fold in chips and bake
Fold in the 2 cups chocolate chips and pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
6. Cool and chill before slicing
Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars and serving.
Serving Suggestions Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries for color.
- Warm a slice for 10–15 seconds and top with vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Plate alongside a slice of chocolate chip banana bread for a dessert sampler.
Tips for Success Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth filling.
- Don’t overbake; a slightly jiggly center will set as it chills for perfect texture.
- Chill at least 4 hours (overnight is better) for clean slices.
- For a salty-sweet crunch, sprinkle chopped chips or crushed cookies on top before serving and see a related idea here: chocolate-covered potato chips.
- Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Swirl in raspberry jam or dulce de leche before baking for a flavor ribbon.
- Use white chocolate chips and macadamia nuts for a tropical twist.
- Make mini bars in a muffin tin for single-serve portions.
Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.
Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9 x 13 inch pan.
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition, and stir in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the 2 cups chocolate chips and pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars and serving.
