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This chocolate chip cheesecake bar recipe combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat. The contrast between the crunchy Oreo crust and creamy cheesecake studded with chocolate chips creates a dessert that disappears quickly at any gathering.
I first made these bars for my sister's birthday when she couldn't decide between chocolate cookies and cheesecake. Now they're requested at nearly every family celebration we have.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: These create the perfect chocolatey base. Use regular Oreos with filling intact for best flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Binds the crust together. Unsalted lets you control the overall sweetness.
- Cream cheese blocks: Full fat provides the richest texture. Never substitute with whipped or low fat versions.
- Sugar: Balances the tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors. Use pure extract for best results.
- Semi sweet chocolate chips: These melt slightly during baking creating pockets of chocolate throughout. Choose quality chips.
- Mini milk chocolate chips: These stay intact on top creating visual appeal and a sweet finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
- Thoroughly crush Oreo cookies until they become fine crumbs with no large pieces remaining. Mix with melted butter until every crumb is moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly and evenly into your baking dish creating a solid base that extends up the sides slightly. Bake for exactly 10 minutes to set the crust without burning.
- Prepare the filling:
- Beat cream cheese thoroughly until absolutely no lumps remain. This typically takes 3 to 5 minutes of continuous beating. The texture should be completely smooth before moving forward. Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat which ensures proper incorporation without creating air pockets that could cause cracking.
- Add eggs and vanilla:
- Incorporate eggs one at a time beating thoroughly between each addition. This creates the silky texture that makes great cheesecake. Add vanilla and beat again until fully combined. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl frequently throughout this process.
- Add chocolate chips:
- Gently fold in the semi sweet chocolate chips using a rubber spatula with a light hand. Overworking the batter now could affect the texture.
- Bake to perfection:
- Pour filling over the prepared crust then sprinkle mini chips evenly across the top. Bake until the center is just set but still has slight movement. The cheesecake will continue setting as it cools. Overbaking causes cracks and dryness.
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The Oreo crust is what makes these bars truly special. I once tried using graham crackers instead and while still delicious my family unanimously agreed the chocolate cookie base creates the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
Make Ahead Magic
These bars actually improve with time in the refrigerator. The flavors meld together and the texture becomes even more perfect. I recommend making them at least 24 hours before serving for best results. They keep beautifully for up to 5 days making them perfect for busy weeks when you need dessert ready to go.
Serving Suggestions
While these bars are perfect on their own they can be elevated for special occasions. Try adding a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For chocolate lovers a dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of ganache takes these to another level. Serve slightly chilled rather than straight from the refrigerator for the best flavor experience.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cheesecake develops cracks during baking it likely means the oven temperature was too high or the bars were overbaked. Next time check 5 minutes earlier. The center should have a slight jiggle when done. Cracks dont affect flavor so a strategic topping of extra chocolate chips can hide any imperfections.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use different cookies for the crust?
Yes! While Oreos provide that classic chocolate base, you could substitute graham crackers for a more traditional cheesecake taste, or try chocolate graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or even brownies for the base. Just maintain the same ratio of crushed cookies to butter.
- → How do I know when my cheesecake bars are done baking?
The bars are done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools. Over-baking can cause cracks, so it's better to slightly under-bake than over-bake.
- → Can I freeze chocolate chip cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! Cool completely, then refrigerate until firm. Cut into individual bars, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- → Why is it important to have cream cheese at room temperature?
Room temperature cream cheese blends much more smoothly, eliminating lumps in your cheesecake mixture. Cold cream cheese can remain lumpy even after mixing, affecting the texture of your finished bars. Leave it out for at least 1-2 hours before beginning.
- → Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Definitely! Consider adding chopped nuts, caramel bits, cookie pieces, toffee pieces, or swirls of peanut butter, caramel, or fruit preserves. Just be careful not to overload the batter, as it may affect the cooking time and texture.
- → How should I store leftover cheesecake bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor often improves after a day as the flavors meld together, making this a perfect make-ahead dessert.