Irresistible Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Creamy Bliss Made Simple

Indulge in a velvety smooth cheesecake bars recipe that melts in your mouth with every delectable bite.

These creamy squares pack a punch of rich, tangy flavor that dance across your palate.

Perfectly balanced between a buttery graham cracker crust and silky cream cheese filling, these bars promise pure dessert bliss.

Each slice offers a luxurious texture that’s both light and decadent.

The recipe combines simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that impresses without complexity.

Minimal effort yields maximum enjoyment, making these cheesecake bars a go-to dessert for any occasion.

Let’s find out this irresistible sweet sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 445 kcal

Servings: 17

Ingredients That Go into Cheesecake Bars

• Oreo Cookies: Provides a rich, chocolatey foundation with intense flavor and crumbly texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Binds cookie crumbs together, creating a sturdy and deliciously rich base.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.

• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Delivers a creamy, luxurious texture and tangy richness to the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a smooth, velvety filling consistency.
• Smooth Peanut Butter: Adds a nutty, decadent flavor and creamy depth to the cheesecake.
• Sour Cream: Contributes tanginess and helps achieve a silky, light filling.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the filling ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic essence that complements the other flavors.

• Chocolate-Hazelnut Spread: Creates a luscious, indulgent swirl with deep chocolate notes.
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Offer rich, melted chocolate layer with balanced sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache topping.
• Flaky Salt: Provides a sophisticated, crunchy contrast and elevates the overall flavor profile.

Kitchen Tools to Make Cheesecake Bars Flawless

• Stand Mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and other ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
• Food Processor: Perfect for grinding Oreo cookies and creating a fine, even crust mixture.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: Ideal size for making these delicious cheesecake bars.
• Parchment Paper: Creates an easy removal sling and prevents sticking.
• Wire Rack: Helps cool the crust quickly and evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
• Whisk: Great for combining chocolate ganache and creating a smooth topping.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting the cheesecake bars into clean, even pieces.

Step-by-Step Cheesecake Bars Baking Guide

• Crust Preparation

Crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter. Press mixture firmly into a lined baking pan, creating a smooth, compact base. Bake briefly to set the foundation for your delectable dessert.

• Cheesecake Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating peanut butter and chocolate-hazelnut spread. Gently fold in eggs and vanilla, creating a luxurious, creamy mixture that will transform into a decadent filling.

• Baking Magic

Pour the luscious filling over the prepared crust. Bake until the center has a gentle wobble, signaling the perfect texture. Allow the bars to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

• Chocolate Ganache Topping

Create a rich chocolate glaze by melting chocolate with warm cream. Drizzle the glossy ganache over the cooled cheesecake, allowing it to cascade and set naturally.

• Serving Delight

Chill the bars thoroughly, then slice into elegant squares. Serve these indulgent treats that blend the classic comfort of Oreo cookies with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the irresistible allure of chocolate and peanut butter.

Customization Ideas for Cheesecake Bars

• Swap Oreo cookies with graham crackers or chocolate wafers for a different base texture that still complements the creamy filling perfectly.
• Experiment with various spreads like caramel, almond butter, or marshmallow cream instead of chocolate-hazelnut to create unique flavor profiles that excite your taste buders.
• Always let ingredients reach room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends seamlessly and bakes evenly.
• These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, making them an ideal dessert for busy hosts who want to plan ahead.
• Sprinkle crushed nuts, drizzle extra chocolate, or add a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your cheesecake bars.

Cheesecake Bars Plating and Pairing Ideas

• Sweet Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert board with these cheesecake bars as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries, chocolate shavings, and whipped cream for an Instagram-worthy spread.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a warm espresso to complement the rich chocolate and peanut butter flavors, elevating the entire tasting experience.
• Gifting Gourmet Treat: Package individual bars in cute parchment paper or clear treat bags tied with ribbons, perfect for hostess gifts, potlucks, or sharing with friends and family who love indulgent desserts.
• Wine and Chocolate Night: Pair these luxurious bars with a glass of red wine like Cabernet or a sweet Port to create a sophisticated adult dessert moment that feels both elegant and comforting.

How to Store Cheesecake Bars Just Right

• Smart Slice Strategy: Cut bars into perfect portions before storing to make grab-and-go snacking super easy and prevent multiple container openings.
• Chill Zone Storage: Keep cheesecake bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining their creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Freezer Friend Technique: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container to enjoy delicious treats for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Temperature Control Trick: Always let chilled bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance their smooth, velvety consistency and unlock maximum flavor depth.

Decadent Cheesecake Bars Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 17 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Classic New York cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with buttery graham cracker crust. Silky smooth textures and tangy cream cheese layers promise delightful indulgence for dessert enthusiasts.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 16 oz (454 g) full-fat cream cheese
• ¾ cup (188 g) smooth peanut butter, preferably Skippy or Jif
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream
• ¼ cup (62 g) chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella
• 20 Oreo cookies
• 5 tbsps (74 ml) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (226 g) semisweet chocolate chips (about 1 ⅓ cups)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 tsp (5 g) flaky salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize Oreo cookies and kosher salt in a food processor until finely ground. Mix with melted butter until the texture resembles damp sand. Press the crumb mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan, creating an even base.
2. Crust Baking: Place the crust in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.
3. Cheesecake Mixture: Cream sugar with room temperature cream cheese using a stand mixer until smooth. Gradually blend in sour cream, peanut butter, chocolate-hazelnut spread, vanilla extract, and salt until fully incorporated.
4. Egg Integration: Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a silky, uniform batter.
5. Baking Process: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
6. Cooling Stage: Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours to set completely.
7. Chocolate Ganache: Heat heavy cream until it reaches a gentle simmer. Pour over semisweet chocolate chips and let rest for 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
8. Finishing Touches: Pour ganache over the chilled cheesecake, ensuring even coverage. Allow to set at room temperature, then chill for an additional hour.
9. Serving: Lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment sling, slice into 16 uniform squares, and serve chilled.

Notes

• Reach Room Temperature: Ensure cream cheese, sour cream, and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
• Crush Cookies Finely: Process Oreo cookies until they resemble fine, damp sand for a perfect crust consistency and even base.
• Bake with Precision: Watch for a slight jiggle in the center when baking, indicating the cheesecake is perfectly cooked without overbaking.
• Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set completely, enhancing flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 17
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 31 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg