Decadent Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Your Ultimate Easy Homemade Dessert Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with these Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars! Imagine a dessert where every layer sings a song of pure chocolate bliss: a robust, buttery Oreo cookie crust forming the perfect foundation, followed by an incredibly rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth. To crown this masterpiece, a luscious, glossy chocolate ganache is generously drizzled on top, adding an extra dimension of decadent flavor and an elegant finish. These bars aren’t just a treat; they’re an experience, designed to satisfy the deepest chocolate cravings.

I adore cheesecake in all its forms. I could truly enjoy a slice any time, any place. Yet, for many home bakers, the thought of making a cheesecake can seem daunting. There’s a common misconception that cheesecake is difficult to master, often leading people to avoid it altogether or give up after a single less-than-perfect attempt. Who hasn’t experienced the heartbreak of a giant crack forming right in the center of their beautiful cheesecake? It happens to the best of us! But here’s a little secret: a well-placed topping can be your best friend. In fact, I’m quite sure that’s precisely how the beloved cherry cheesecake was originally invented – a delicious solution to a cosmetic imperfection!

Why Cheesecake Bars Are Your New Best Friend in Baking

I consistently find more success and joy when I make cheesecake in bar form, and I believe you will too. There’s something inherently forgiving about baking bars in a rectangular pan that makes the entire process smoother. Not only do they tend to be less prone to cracking (a common cheesecake woe), but they are also incredibly convenient to prepare, serve, and transport. Forget the stress of slicing a perfect round cake; these bars are ready to be cut into neat, individual portions, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth throughout the week. Plus, let’s be honest: when I make bars, they tend to disappear much faster – a true testament to their irresistible appeal!

Just because you opt for cheesecake bars instead of a traditional round cheesecake doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on aesthetics. This is where the fun really begins! Let your inner fourth grader out and have some playful fun doodling with the luscious chocolate ganache. There’s no right or wrong way to decorate; imperfect swirls and creative scribbles add character and charm, making each bar uniquely yours. It’s an opportunity to get creative and add a personal touch that will impress your guests.

At first glance, your ganache design might look like scribbles, or perhaps even like a child did it. But don’t underestimate the power of presentation. When you slice these beautifully decorated bars and arrange them on a serving plate, all you and your guests will see is sheer elegance and irresistible deliciousness. The simple, artistic swirls transform into a sophisticated embellishment that elevates the entire dessert. And then, almost as if by magic, you’ll watch them disappear!

The Three Layers of Chocolate Heaven: A Deep Dive

What makes these cheesecake bars truly “triple chocolate” and so incredibly special? It’s the harmonious layering of chocolate in three distinct forms, each contributing its unique texture and flavor profile to create a truly unforgettable dessert.

1. The Buttery Oreo Crust

Our journey begins with the base: a rich and crumbly Oreo cookie crust. Crushed Oreo cookies, including their creamy filling, are mixed with melted butter to create a sturdy yet tender foundation. This crust isn’t just a vessel; it adds a delightful crunch, a hint of cocoa, and a familiar, comforting sweetness that perfectly complements the decadent cheesecake layer above. It’s easy to press into the pan and bakes up beautifully, holding its shape when sliced.

2. The Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake Filling

The heart of these bars is the luscious chocolate cheesecake layer. Made with softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, eggs, and a generous amount of melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, this filling is incredibly smooth and velvety. The rich chocolate flavor is intense yet balanced, providing a deep, satisfying cocoa note that is both luxurious and comforting. The texture is firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to melt in your mouth, offering that classic cheesecake experience every time.

3. The Rich Chocolate Ganache Topping

To complete the triple chocolate symphony, we add a smooth and glossy chocolate ganache. Made simply with chocolate chips and heavy cream, this ganache is easy to prepare and provides the perfect finishing touch. It adds another layer of concentrated chocolate flavor and a beautiful, shiny appearance that makes these bars look as good as they taste. Whether you drizzle it artfully or spread it evenly, the ganache takes these bars from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

Tips for Cheesecake Bar Perfection

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter. Cold ingredients won’t emulsify properly, leading to a lumpy texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then crack as it cools.
Cooling is Key: The “turn off oven and leave door cracked” method is fantastic for preventing cracks in cheesecakes, even bars. This slow, gradual cooling helps the cheesecake set gently without a sudden temperature shock.
Chill Thoroughly: Patience is a virtue when it comes to cheesecake. Chilling for at least 4 hours (or even better, overnight) is essential for the bars to firm up completely, allowing for clean, perfect slices.
Ganache Consistency: If your ganache is too thick, gently warm it again in the microwave for 10-15 seconds and stir. If it’s too thin, let it cool a bit longer to thicken up before drizzling.
Clean Slices: For perfectly clean cuts, use a sharp, thin knife. Wipe the knife clean with a hot, damp cloth after each slice.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars are fabulous on their own, but you can elevate them further with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a sophisticated touch. They are the ultimate dessert for any gathering, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties. To store, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, individual bars can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

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Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
45 minutes

Additional Time
4 hours

Total Time
5 hours

Ingredients

For the Oreo Crust & Chocolate Cheesecake:

2 cups crushed Oreo cookies (about 24 cookies)
6 Tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (for the cheesecake filling)
24 ounces cream cheese (3, 8-ounce bars) softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs

For the Chocolate Ganache:

1/3 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions

Prepare Baking Pan: Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with foil, extending it over the sides to create handles. Lightly spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray for easy removal later.
Make Oreo Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies with the melted butter. Stir until all the cookie crumbs are thoroughly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside.
Melt Chocolate for Filling: Place 1 cup of chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in the microwave for 45 seconds. Remove and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If needed, heat for an additional 15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is perfectly smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and beat well until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Combine Chocolate & Cream Cheese: Add the cooled, melted chocolate to the cream cheese mixture and beat again until everything is just combined and the batter is uniform in color.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until each egg is combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as too much air can cause cracking. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed.
Assemble Bars: Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the prepared Oreo crust in the pan. Gently spread and smooth the top of the cheesecake to the edges of the pan.
Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 40-45 minutes. The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool slowly. After 1 hour, remove the cheesecake to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Let the cheesecake chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before adding the decorative ganache.
Make Ganache: To prepare the ganache, place 1/3 cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 1 minute. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes without stirring. Then, stir until the ganache is completely smooth and shiny. Let it cool slightly until it thickens to a drizzling consistency. Spoon the ganache into a pastry bag fitted with a #3 tip, or use a plastic freezer bag with a tiny hole cut out of one corner. Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the chilled cheesecake in any desired design – get creative!
Final Chill & Slice: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 more hours (or preferably overnight) to completely chill and set before slicing and serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesecake Bars

Q: Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?: A: Absolutely! While Oreo cookies provide a classic chocolatey base, you can experiment with other crushed cookies like Graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, or even shortbread. Adjust the butter amount slightly if needed, as some cookies absorb more moisture than others.
Q: How do I know when the cheesecake is fully baked?: A: The center of the cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The edges will appear set and slightly puffed. It will continue to firm up as it cools, especially during the crucial chilling phase.
Q: What if my ganache is too thick or too thin?: A: If your ganache is too thick, add a tiny bit more heavy cream (1/2 teaspoon at a time) and stir until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, let it sit at room temperature for a bit longer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. You can also pop it in the refrigerator for a few minutes, but watch it closely.
Q: Can I make these Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?: A: Yes, these bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can prepare them up to 2-3 days in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. The flavors often deepen and the texture improves after a day or two, making them perfect for entertaining.
Q: Can I freeze cheesecake bars?: A: Yes! Once the bars are completely chilled and set, you can slice them and place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze for about an hour. Once firm, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Explore More Cheesecake Ideas!

If you’re a cheesecake enthusiast like me, you’re always looking for new flavors and variations to try. Here are a few more delightful cheesecake bar recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds:

Strawberry Cheesecake Crumb Bars

Cinnamon Swirl Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

Lemon Cheese Bars

More Inspiration from Fellow Food Bloggers:

15 delicious Cheesecake Bars on Community Table
Take 5 Cheesecake Brownies from Inside Brucrew Life
Butterfinger Nutter Butter Cheesecake Bars from Lauren’s Latest

This recipe for Triple Chocolate Cheesecake Bars originally appeared as a Guest post on Melissa’s Southern Style Cooking. I’ve updated and added the full recipe here for the convenience of my wonderful readers. While you’re exploring, be sure to check out some of Melissa’s other fantastic recipes like her Brown Sugar Walnut Fudge, Boston Cream Layer Cake, and her delightful Italian Cream Cake. Happy baking!