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Decadent Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Decadent Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.5 from 34 reviews

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

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
  • 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

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