Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, crushed)
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

For the Strawberry Layer:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
   In a bowl, combine crushed chocolate cookies, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
3. Prepare Strawberry Layer:
   In a small saucepan, cook strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat for 5–6 minutes until softened and syrupy. Mash slightly and let cool.
4. Make Cheesecake Filling:
   In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream.
5. Assemble Bars:
   Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spoon the strawberry mixture over the filling and gently swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
6. Bake:
   Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
7. Make Chocolate Topping:
   Heat heavy cream until hot (not boiling) and pour over chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Spread over the chilled cheesecake bars.
8. Chill & Serve:
   Refrigerate again for 30 minutes until the chocolate sets. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Would you like me to make this a no-bake version of Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Bars as well?