I still remember the very first time I baked Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. It was during a cozy weekend when I wanted something sweet, creamy, and indulgent, but also simple enough to put together without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma that filled the house while these bars were baking was irresistible, and when I finally cut into that soft, chewy crust layered with creamy cheesecake filling and dotted with melted chocolate chips, I knew I had created a dessert that everyone would fall in love with.

What makes this recipe extra special is its comforting balance of flavors. The buttery cookie base gives you that classic homemade feel, the cheesecake center brings a rich and velvety smoothness, and the chocolate chips add the perfect touch of sweetness in every single bite. These bars are not only a treat for gatherings but also a delightful way to brighten an ordinary day.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars because they combine the best of two classic desserts: cookies and cheesecake. They are indulgent yet easy enough to whip up for last-minute guests or family cravings. Their texture is a dreamy mix of chewy and creamy, making every square irresistible. Whether you serve them at a party, bring them to a potluck, or simply enjoy them as an after-dinner dessert, they never fail to impress.

Versatile

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the bars chilled for a refreshing treat on warm days, or slightly warm for a cozy bite during colder seasons. They also pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. If you want to get creative, you can add different flavored chips like white chocolate, peanut butter, or even caramel chips to make them your own.

Affordable

Another reason I love baking these bars is how budget-friendly they are. All of the ingredients are pantry staples that many of us already have at home, which makes this recipe a smart and affordable dessert option. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create something rich, decadent, and impressive.

Ingredients for the Recipe

To make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need:

Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Butter
Brown sugar
Chocolate chips

These simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully to create a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting.

How to Prepare This Recipe

When I bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, I always appreciate how straightforward the process is. The recipe is simple, yet the result feels as though it came from a bakery display case. The preparation combines the ease of a cookie dough with the elegance of cheesecake, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers. Every step flows naturally, and before you know it, the pan is ready for the oven, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Preheat the oven – Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
Prepare the cookie dough base – In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps to create the classic chewy texture that balances perfectly with the creamy filling. Beat in one egg and a splash of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Fold in a generous portion of chocolate chips.
Create the cheesecake filling – In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract. The filling should be silky and lump-free.
Layer the bars – Spread about half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. It does not need to be perfect, just ensure the bottom is fully covered. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the dough, smoothing the top with a spatula. Take the remaining cookie dough and drop small spoonfuls across the cheesecake layer. These will spread as they bake, creating a marbled effect with cheesecake peeking through. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra indulgence.
Bake the bars – Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. A slight jiggle in the middle is normal, but it should not appear runny. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to help the cheesecake set and the flavors blend.

Quick and Easy

What I love about this recipe is that despite its bakery-quality flavor, it is quick and easy to prepare. The dough and filling use basic ingredients, and both can be whipped together in minutes. From start to finish, the process is approachable and does not require advanced baking techniques. Even with chilling time, the preparation is relaxed and stress-free.

Customizable

These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars can be easily customized to suit your preferences. If you enjoy a stronger vanilla flavor, you can increase the vanilla extract slightly. For a richer taste, swap semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips. You can even mix in nuts like chopped pecans or walnuts to add crunch. If you prefer a festive twist, try using seasonal candies or flavored chips for holidays. The base recipe remains delicious no matter how you adapt it.

Popular with Many People

This recipe has been a favorite among family, friends, and guests whenever I prepare it. There is something universally appealing about the combination of cheesecake and chocolate chip cookie dough. Kids love the gooey chocolate chips, while adults appreciate the creamy, indulgent center. I often bring these bars to potlucks or gatherings, and they disappear quickly, leaving people asking for the recipe. They strike the perfect balance of casual and elegant, making them suitable for both everyday treats and special occasions.

The ease, flavor, and crowd-pleasing nature of these Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars make them a recipe worth keeping on repeat.

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars – Easy, Rich & Delicious!

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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine two classic desserts into one irresistible treat. With a buttery cookie base, a creamy cheesecake layer, and plenty of chocolate chips, these bars are easy to prepare, affordable, and always a crowd favorite.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 40
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 1x

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add one egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture and stir until dough forms.
Fold in 1 ½ cups of chocolate chips, reserving some for later use.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until creamy. Add ½ cup sugar and mix well.
Add the remaining egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and lump-free.
Spread half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.
Pour cheesecake mixture over the dough, spreading into an even layer.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough across the cheesecake layer.
Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is set.
Allow bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Chill before slicing to achieve neat squares.

You can substitute semi-sweet chips with dark or milk chocolate.

Adding nuts like walnuts or pecans gives a crunchy twist.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. Since they need chilling, you can prepare them a day in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How should I store these bars?
The bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 5 days and maintain their creamy texture when kept chilled.

Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Slice the bars into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Do I need to use parchment paper?
While it is not required, parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan for clean slicing. If you skip it, simply grease the baking dish well.

Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Yes. Semi-sweet chips are classic, but dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips work beautifully. You can even mix two varieties for added flavor.

Do I need an electric mixer?
A hand mixer makes preparation easier, especially for the cheesecake filling, but you can also use a sturdy whisk and some extra effort.