lilbobby
Culinary Explorer
Howdy, dessert lovers! Get ready to indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with these American-Inspired Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. Combining two classic favorites into one irresistible dessert, these bars feature a decadent layer of creamy cheesecake sandwiched between layers of chewy chocolate chip cookie dough. Topped with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, these cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a special treat for yourself. Let's dive in and elevate your dessert experience with this delicious fusion creation!
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
Ingredients:
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Press the Cookie Dough into the Pan:
- Press half of the cookie dough mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, forming a smooth and compact layer.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In another mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bars:
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cookie dough layer in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Crumble the remaining cookie dough mixture over the top of the cheesecake layer, creating a crumbly topping.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars:
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Optional: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until hot but not boiling.
- Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Stir the mixture until smooth and creamy, then drizzle it over the cooled cheesecake bars.
- Chill and Serve:
- Once the chocolate ganache has set, chill the cheesecake bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled, savoring the decadent layers of chocolate chip cookie dough and creamy cheesecake with each bite!
Totally worth the calories.
