Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert mash-up—chewy cookie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and more chocolate chips sprinkled throughout. I love how these bars combine the best of both worlds: the comfort of a chocolate chip cookie and the richness of a cheesecake. They’re easy to slice, serve, and always the first thing to disappear at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to make but feels like a bakery-worthy treat. The textures are perfect together: a soft, golden cookie crust, a smooth and tangy cheesecake center, and a gooey cookie topping that melts in your mouth. Whether I’m making them for a party, potluck, or just a weekend dessert, these bars always hit the sweet spot.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookie Layers:

  • Unsalted butter, softened

  • Brown sugar

  • Granulated sugar

  • Eggs

  • Vanilla extract

  • All-purpose flour

  • Baking soda

  • Salt

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • Cream cheese, softened

  • Granulated sugar

  • Egg

  • Vanilla extract

Directions

  1. I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. In a large bowl, I cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. I beat in the eggs and vanilla, then stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. I fold in the chocolate chips.

  4. I press about two-thirds of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.

  5. In a separate bowl, I beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

  6. I pour the cheesecake mixture over the cookie crust and spread it evenly.

  7. I crumble the remaining cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer and lightly press it down.

  8. I bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.

  9. I let the bars cool completely, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 bars.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: about 3 hours

Variations

  • I sometimes use mini chocolate chips or a mix of dark and milk chocolate for added texture.

  • Swapping in peanut butter chips or butterscotch chips changes the flavor profile deliciously.

  • I’ve added a layer of crushed Oreos under the cheesecake for extra crunch.

  • Drizzling with caramel or chocolate sauce after baking makes them even more indulgent.

Storage/Reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To serve, I bring them to room temperature or enjoy them chilled. They also freeze well—just wrap each bar individually and freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought cookie dough?

Yes, I’ve used store-bought dough in a pinch—just make sure you have enough for both the base and the topping.

Do these bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cheesecake layer, I keep them refrigerated until serving.

How do I know when they’re done baking?

The top should be golden and the center should be set. I give the pan a gentle shake—if it’s no longer jiggly, it’s ready.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

I chill the bars fully, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars are a crowd-pleasing dessert that delivers everything I love in one bite: creamy, chewy, chocolatey goodness. Whether I’m making them ahead for a special event or just treating myself to something sweet, these bars never disappoint. They’re simple to make, easy to share, and absolutely irresistible.

Print
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Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

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  • Author: Linda
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
  • Yield: 16 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars combine a chewy cookie base with a creamy cheesecake filling and a gooey chocolate chip topping. These layered bars are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for parties, potlucks, or anytime dessert cravings.


Ingredients

  • For the Cookie Layers:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • For the Cheesecake Layer:
  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.
  2. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Press 2/3 of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  6. Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over cookie crust.
  7. Crumble remaining cookie dough on top and lightly press down.
  8. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden on top and center is set.
  9. Cool completely, then chill in fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

  • Use mini or mixed chocolate chips for variety.
  • Swap in peanut butter or butterscotch chips for flavor variations.
  • Add a crushed Oreo layer under the cheesecake for crunch.
  • Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce after baking for extra indulgence.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 190mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 34g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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