Chocolate Cheesecake Bars with Oreo Crust and Rich Chocolate Ganache Recipe
Decadent Chocolate Cheesecake Bars combining a rich Oreo crust with a creamy, cocoa-infused cheesecake filling, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. Ideal for dessert lovers seeking a luscious treat with a perfect balance of textures and intense chocolate flavor.
- Author: Mia
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Oreo Crust
- 2 cups Oreo crumbs (about 2 rows of Oreos in a regular pack)
- 4 TBSP Unsalted butter (melted)
Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder (use Dutch process)
- 8 oz Chocolate bar (melted, Lindt 70% recommended)
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream (room temperature)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 4 Large eggs (room temperature)
Chocolate Ganache
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Spray a 9×9-inch square pan with nonstick baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, spraying again to prevent sticking.
- Make the Oreo Crust: Using a food processor, crush the Oreos into fine crumbs. In a small bowl, mix these crumbs with the melted butter until combined.
- Press the Crust: Pour the Oreo crumb mixture into the prepared pan, spreading evenly only on the bottom. Press firmly using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust tightly.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 12 minutes, then remove and set aside to prepare the filling.
- Melt Chocolate for Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate bar in intervals — 30 seconds, then 20 seconds, followed by 15-second bursts — stirring well between each until fully melted and smooth.
- Mix Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese, sugar, and cocoa powder on high speed with a mixer for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the melted chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the chocolate cheesecake batter over the baked crust. Bake for 40–50 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 20 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Chill: Cover the cheesecake with foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to set fully.
- Prepare Ganache: Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming. Place the chocolate chips in a small bowl, pour the hot cream over them, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Decorate: Remove the cheesecake bars from the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Pour the ganache over the top and spread evenly using an offset spatula.
- Set Ganache and Serve: For immediate serving, place the ganache-covered bars in the freezer for 10 minutes before slicing. Otherwise, store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients ensure a smoother cheesecake batter and better texture.
- Do not overbake; slight jiggle in the center is perfect for creamy texture.
- Use Dutch process cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Allow ganache to set properly for clean slicing.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keywords: Chocolate cheesecake bars, Oreo crust cheesecake, chocolate dessert bars, creamy cheesecake, chocolate ganache dessert