If you’re a chocolate lover, gather around because these Chocolate Cheesecake Bars with Ganache are bound to steal your heart—and your taste buds! A perfect fusion of rich, creamy cheesecake balanced with the addictive flavor of Oreos and topped with a luscious ganache, this recipe is not only decadent but also super easy to whip up. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth after a long week, these bars promise to deliver that instant satisfaction with every bite.
The magic of these bars lies in their rich layers. You’ll start with a buttery Oreo crust that gives a delightful crunch, followed by a sumptuous chocolate cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth, finished off with a glossy ganache that adds a touch of elegance and a deep chocolate flavor. Perfect for gatherings, these decadent treats are sure to impress guests and family alike. Prepare them ahead of time so that they can chill and set, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Here are a few reasons why you will adore making (and eating) these Chocolate Cheesecake Bars:
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and familiar ingredients, this recipe is approachable even for novice bakers.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance, making them a perfect dessert for parties or gatherings.
- Versatile Servings: Ideal for any occasion—from dinner parties to casual family meals, these bars are sure to be a hit!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into creating these Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, it’s essential to ensure your kitchen is ready for action. Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) and lining a 23×33 cm baking dish with heavy-duty foil or parchment paper. Lightly spray the pan with non-stick spray; this step is crucial for easy removal of the bars once set. Set up a food processor to finely crush the Oreo cookies—this will serve as a delicious base for your cheesecake. Having a stand mixer or handheld whisk on standby will be helpful for blending the creamy filling to the perfect smoothness. Don’t forget to have some mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons ready for precise ingredient measurement.
Ingredients
- 36 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 340 grams bittersweet chocolate chips, high quality
- 680 grams cream cheese, softened
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 55 grams light brown sugar, packed
- 15 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 240 milliliters heavy cream
- 10 milliliters vanilla extract
- 340 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips, preferably Ghirardelli or baker’s chocolate
- 240 milliliters heavy whipping cream
- Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Take your lined baking dish and prepare it by lightly spraying the surface with non-stick spray. This will help ensure that your cheesecake bars come out cleanly once baked.
Step 2: Create the Oreo Crust
Using a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until you achieve fine crumbs. This process is vital as it creates the foundation of your bars. Once crumbly, mix in the melted butter until fully combined. You want to ensure that every crumb is coated in butter for that rich taste. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your lined baking pan, creating an even layer that reaches up the sides about 1–2 cm. This added height will hold the filling effectively. Bake the crust in your preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing it to set before letting it cool on a wire rack. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F) during this time.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
Take a microwave-safe bowl and add your bittersweet chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Let it cool slightly while you continue. In your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s creamy and free of lumps. Gradually incorporate the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Next, blend the four eggs along with the heavy cream into your mixture, stirring just until combined. To enhance the rich chocolate flavor, fold in the cooled melted chocolate and vanilla extract into this creamy filling, ensuring it’s all evenly mixed. Then pour the mixture carefully over your already baked crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake Bars
Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the center appears to wobble slightly when the pan is gently shaken. It’s crucial not to over-bake as this can cause undesirable cracks. Once baked, remove it from the oven, loosen the foil edges, and run a hot, thin knife around the edges to avoid cracking during cooling.
Step 6: Chill the Bars
Allow your cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 6 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the cheesecake to set properly and develop its flavors.
Step 7: Make the Ganache
While the bars chill, you can prepare the ganache. Heat heavy cream in a microwave-safe container until it just starts to boil, which should take about a minute. Once boiling, pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a separate bowl. Let it stand for 3 to 5 minutes, then whisk until it becomes glossy and smooth.
Step 8: Assemble the Bars
Once the cheesecake has set, pour the ganache evenly over the chilled bars. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an elegant finish. Return the pan to the refrigerator until the ganache is fully set.
Step 9: Serve
When ready to serve, cut into bars and garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings if desired. Enjoy your chocolate cheesecake bars chilled for the best experience!
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding a protein element like Greek yogurt to the filling for added creaminess and nutrition.
- Vegetables: For a unique twist, try adding pureed pumpkin or sweet potato to the filling for a seasonal flavor.
- Spices: Include a pinch of espresso powder or sea salt to enhance the chocolate flavor further.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother mixture.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. Brands like Ghirardelli or Callebaut are excellent choices.
- For a gluten-free version, make sure to substitute with gluten-free Oreo cookies.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to a week — if they last that long!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these decadent bars with fresh berries for a touch of brightness.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Tips
- For easier cutting, warm your knife under hot water and dry it before slicing the bars.
- Always allow the cheesecake to set fully in the refrigerator before attempting to cut into bars; this ensures clean slices.
- Consider drizzling extra ganache on individual servings for an extra decadent touch or for a restaurant-style presentation.
- If you prefer a lighter cheesecake, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with ricotta for a unique texture.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Chocolate Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, these bars freeze well! Allow them to set completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
To prevent cracks, ensure the ingredients are at room temperature before mixing and avoid overmixing. Also, let the cheesecake come to room temperature gradually before serving.
Can I use different types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Experiment with different chocolate types such as dark, milk, or white chocolate for variations in flavor.
How long should I chill the bars before serving?
For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set properly.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Cheesecake Bars with Ganache are a delightful indulgence that every chocolate lover should try. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, from the crunchy crust to the velvety cheesecake filling, topped with a rich ganache that enhances the decadence. Whether it’s for a special celebration or a casual get-together, these bars are sure to impress and satisfy. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings or serve them alongside your favorite desserts for a complete experience. So, gather your ingredients, bring out your inner baker, and treat yourself—and your loved ones—to this divine dessert. Happy baking!
Print
Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Bars with Ganache
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
These Chocolate Cheesecake Bars with Ganache are a delightful indulgence that every chocolate lover should try.
Ingredients
- 36 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
- 115 grams unsalted butter, melted
- 340 grams bittersweet chocolate chips, high quality
- 680 grams cream cheese, softened
- 200 grams granulated sugar
- 55 grams light brown sugar, packed
- 15 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 240 milliliters heavy cream
- 10 milliliters vanilla extract
- 340 grams semi-sweet chocolate chips, preferably Ghirardelli or baker’s chocolate
- 240 milliliters heavy whipping cream
- Whipped cream (for garnish, optional)
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Take your lined baking dish and prepare it by lightly spraying the surface with non-stick spray.
- Using a food processor, pulse the Oreo cookies until you achieve fine crumbs. Mix in the melted butter until fully combined.
- Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your lined baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool on a wire rack.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the bittersweet chocolate chips until melted. Let cool slightly.
- In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy, then incorporate the sugars and cocoa powder.
- Blend in the eggs and heavy cream, then fold in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, then cool completely and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
- Prepare the ganache by heating the heavy cream until boiling, then pouring it over the semi-sweet chocolate chips and whisking until smooth.
- Once the cheesecake is set, pour the ganache over the bars, smooth it out, and return to the refrigerator until set.
- Cut into bars and serve garnished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
Notes
These bars can be made in advance, making them a perfect dessert for parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Protein: 5 g