Chocolate Chip Cheese Cake Bars
Chocolate chip cheese cake bars combine moist cake layers with creamy cheese filling and chocolate chips, creating a rich, sweet treat perfect for dessert lovers and entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine dry chocolate chip cake mix, 2/3 cup butter, and 2 eggs until well blended.
- Press the mixture evenly into an ungreased 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, 2 eggs, and vanilla frosting until smooth.
- Reserve 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture for topping.
- Add chocolate chips to the remaining cream cheese mixture and spread over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until set and golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Spread the reserved cream cheese mixture over the cooled bars.
- Refrigerate until firm, then cut into bars and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have chocolate chip cake mix, a yellow cake mix can work as a substitute. To enhance the texture, you can fold in some chopped nuts or swap half of the chocolate chips for butterscotch chips. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
Serving Suggestions
These Chocolate Chip Cheese Cake Bars are delicious on their own but can be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. Pair with fresh berries for a refreshing contrast or enjoy with a cup of coffee. They also make a great addition to dessert platters at gatherings, complementing other treats like Fern'S Fabulous Fudge.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain their texture, avoid stacking the bars directly on top of each other. If you want to enjoy them warm, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Chip Cheese Cake Bars contains roughly 414 calories, with 5g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance. Let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate. They will taste even better as the flavors meld. Just remember to add the cream cheese topping shortly before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the bars to cool completely, then cut into portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you're looking for a non-dairy alternative, you can use a vegan cream cheese or a cashew-based cream cheese. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt can also be used, though it will change the flavor and texture somewhat. Adjust sweetness accordingly if using yogurt.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).