🍫 Chocolate Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe
These Chocolate Crumble Cheesecake Bars combine two dessert favorites: a buttery chocolate crumble base and topping, with a luscious, tangy cheesecake filling in between. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you're simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are indulgent, easy to slice, and hard to resist.
Equipment
- 9x9 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- parchment paper
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Crumble (Base + Topping):
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz 2 blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sour cream optional, for extra creaminess
Instructions
Prep the Oven & Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
Make the Chocolate Crumble
- In a mixing bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla, and flour until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles wet sand. It should clump together slightly when pressed.
Create the Base
- Press two-thirds of the chocolate crumble mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and set aside.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, egg, vanilla, and sour cream (if using), and mix until well combined and velvety.
Assemble the Bars
- Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked chocolate base. Crumble the remaining chocolate dough over the top of the cheesecake layer.
Bake
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill
- Let the bars cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
For extra texture, mix mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the crumble.
Don't skip chilling — it helps the cheesecake set and makes slicing easier.
Use a hot knife for clean cuts: dip in hot water and wipe between each slice