These Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bars feature a rich and creamy cheesecake filling baked on a chocolate cookie crumb crust and topped with a smooth, decadent chocolate ganache. They are a perfect combination of textures and flavors, offering a satisfyingly sweet and indulgent dessert that’s easier to serve than a full cheesecake.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Cookie Crumb Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo crumbs, with or without the cream filling)
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped dark chocolate)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Make the Chocolate Cookie Crumb Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until set. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese, mixing until well combined and smooth.
- Beat in Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air and cause cracks.
- Pour Filling Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the partially baked chocolate cookie crumb crust.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
- Cool Completely: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to chill and firm up.
- Make the Chocolate Ganache Topping: Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, prepare the chocolate ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, you can heat the cream in a saucepan until simmering, then pour it over the chocolate and let it sit for a few minutes before stirring until smooth.
- Pour Ganache Over Cheesecake: Pour the smooth chocolate ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake bars in the pan.
- Chill Ganache: Return the pan to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to an hour to allow the chocolate ganache to set.
- Cut and Serve: Once the ganache is set, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the foil or parchment paper overhang. Cut them into squares or rectangles of your desired size. Serve chilled.
Tips and Notes:
- Cookie Crumb Variations: You can use other chocolate cookies like chocolate wafers or even graham crackers mixed with cocoa powder for the crust.
- Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can make the cheesecake dry or cracked.
- Chilling Time: Allow ample time for the cheesecake to chill completely for the best texture and to make cutting easier.
- Ganache Consistency: If the ganache is too thick, add a teaspoon of warm milk or more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, let it sit at room temperature for a while or refrigerate briefly.
- Storage: Store leftover chocolate covered cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Enjoy these rich and decadent Chocolate Covered Cheesecake Bars!