Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy chocolate no-bake cheesecake bars have stolen my heart with their irresistible richness.

Silky layers promise pure indulgence without turning on the oven.

Cool kitchen counters become magical spaces where dessert dreams come alive.

Each bite whispers decadent secrets of smooth chocolate and velvety cream cheese.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction in this delightful treat.

Chilled perfection awaits you with just a few simple ingredients.

Prepare to experience a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Why No-Bake Cheesecake Bars Are Convenient

  • No-bake technique eliminates oven stress, letting you create a decadent dessert without complex cooking skills.
  • Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for novice bakers or busy home cooks seeking a delicious chocolate treat.
  • Chocolate lovers will adore the rich, creamy texture and intense cocoa flavor that makes these bars irresistible for gatherings, parties, or casual family desserts.
  • Prepare the bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing for stress-free entertaining and convenient dessert planning for any occasion.

Everything That Goes Into These Bars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers, Chocolate Cookies: A crispy base that provides a delightful texture and rich flavor foundation for the cheesecake bars.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the crust together and adds a smooth, rich taste.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary creamy component that gives cheesecake its signature smooth and tangy character.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth filling texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides deep chocolate flavor and rich color to the cheesecake filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet note.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates a light and airy texture when whipped, making the filling extra fluffy.
Ganache Topping Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create a smooth, glossy chocolate topping.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melts into a rich, decadent ganache layer.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Whipped Cream, Shaved Chocolate, Fresh Berries: Add visual appeal and extra flavor to the finished dessert.

How to Chill and Slice Without Cracking

Step 1: Create Crumbly Base

Grab a square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, making sure some paper hangs over the edges for easy lifting. In a mixing bowl, crush graham crackers or chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. Pour melted butter over the crumbs and:
  • Chocolate cookie crumbs
  • Melted butter

Mix until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation. Pop the pan into the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Chocolate Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cocoa powder
  • Vanilla extract

Beat these ingredients until they become smooth and glossy. Gently fold in whipped cream, stirring until the mixture looks light and fluffy.

Step 3: Layer the Deliciousness

Take the chilled crust from the refrigerator and spread the chocolate cheesecake filling evenly across the surface. Use a spatula to create a smooth, even layer.

Step 4: Drizzle Decadent Chocolate Ganache

In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream until it’s hot but not boiling. Pour the cream over chocolate chips and let sit for a few minutes. Stir until the mixture becomes silky and glossy. Pour this luxurious ganache over the cheesecake layer, making sure it covers every inch.

Step 5: Chill and Solidify

Cover the pan and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least 4 hours or overnight until the bars become firm and set.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Slice into neat squares. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with:
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh berries

Enjoy your indulgent chocolate no-bake cheesecake bars!

Tips That Help Set the Cheesecake Just Right

  • Smooth Crust Secrets: Press cookie crumbs firmly and evenly into the pan to create a compact, stable base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Cream Cheese Perfection: Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to achieve a silky, lump-free filling with maximum smoothness.
  • Whip with Care: Fold whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture to maintain its airy texture and prevent deflating the delicate volume.
  • Ganache Glamour: Let chocolate and cream sit undisturbed for exactly 2 minutes after mixing to create a glossy, perfectly smooth ganache topping.
  • Chill for Success: Refrigerate bars for minimum 4 hours to allow flavors to meld and achieve the ideal firm, sliceable consistency.

Store Bars for Later Enjoyment

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours before serving. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain quality.
  • Enjoy straight from the refrigerator for the best taste and texture. Ganache and filling remain creamy and rich when chilled.

Pairings That Match This Chocolate Cheesecake

  • Select a rich, full-bodied red wine like port or cabernet sauvignon that complements the chocolate's deep flavor profile and matches the dessert's luxurious texture.
  • Serve alongside a smooth espresso or cappuccino, which will enhance the cheesecake's chocolate notes and provide a delightful contrast in temperature and intensity.
  • Add a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries to cut through the richness, providing a tart brightness that balances the dessert's creamy, chocolate-laden character.
  • Sprinkle some toasted almond slivers or chopped hazelnuts around the plate to introduce a crunchy element that complements the smooth cheesecake bars and adds complexity to each bite.

Flavor Ideas You’ll Want to Try

  • Vegan Chocolate Bliss: Replace cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream, and swap butter for coconut oil. Substitute dairy chocolate with dark vegan chocolate chips for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream: Use gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for the crust. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Sensation: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
  • Protein-Packed Chocolate Boost: Incorporate chocolate protein powder into the filling. Add a scoop of protein powder to increase nutritional value without compromising the creamy texture.

Cheesecake Bar FAQ Session

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute graham crackers or chocolate cookies for the base. Just ensure the cookies are finely ground for a compact crust.

  • Is it necessary to use a stand mixer for the filling?

No, a hand mixer or even a whisk works well. The key is to achieve a smooth, lump-free cream cheese mixture.

  • How do I prevent the ganache from cracking?

Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring and ensure the cheesecake layer is completely chilled. This helps create a smooth, glossy finish.

  • Can I make these bars in advance?

Absolutely! They can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for make-ahead desserts.

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Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Rich chocolate no-bake cheesecake bars blend creamy indulgence with effortless preparation. Chilled layers of silky chocolate and smooth cream cheese create a delightful dessert that satisfies chocolate lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo crumbs)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream

Sweeteners and Chocolate Components:

  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Optional Garnishes:

  • Whipped cream
  • Shaved chocolate
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Construct the foundational layer by meticulously lining an 8-inch baking vessel with parchment paper, ensuring extended edges for effortless extraction.
  2. Pulverize cookie fragments and amalgamate with melted butter, creating a cohesive, moistened mixture that will serve as the structural base.
  3. Compress the crumb foundation uniformly across the pan’s bottom, applying firm, consistent pressure to establish a solid platform.
  4. Refrigerate the preliminary layer while transitioning to the decadent filling preparation.
  5. Whip cream cheese until silky, incorporating powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract to develop a luxurious, velvety texture.
  6. Gently integrate whipped cream into the chocolate cream cheese blend, folding with delicate motions to maintain airy consistency.
  7. Extract the chilled crust and distribute the chocolate filling evenly, utilizing a spatula to create a pristine, smooth surface.
  8. For the optional ganache embellishment, heat cream until steaming, then cascade over chocolate chips, allowing brief resting before stirring to glossy perfection.
  9. Cascade the molten ganache across the cheesecake layer, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coverage.
  10. Seal the pan and transfer to the refrigerator, permitting a minimum of four hours for complete solidification.
  11. Leverage parchment paper edges to extract the consolidated dessert, then slice into precise, symmetrical segments.
  12. Optionally adorn with whipped cream, delicate chocolate shavings, or vibrant fresh berries to elevate visual appeal.

Notes

  • Choose chocolate graham crackers or Oreo cookies for a richer, more decadent crust that complements the chocolate cheesecake filling.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth filling texture.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor, preferring Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper, more robust taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular cookie crumbs with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or almond flour-based alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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