Smooth Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Fans

Creamy desserts often spark joy in the most unexpected moments, and these chocolate no bake cheesecake bars will absolutely delight your taste buds.

Smooth cream cheese blends perfectly with rich chocolate in a decadent treat that requires zero oven time.

No baking means less hassle and more immediate satisfaction for chocolate lovers.

The silky texture melts deliciously on your tongue, creating an indulgent experience with minimal effort.

Simple ingredients come together quickly to craft these elegant bars that look like they took hours to prepare.

Chilled and set with a chocolate graham cracker crust, these bars promise a cool, sweet escape from traditional baked desserts.

Dive into this effortless recipe and treat yourself to a slice of pure chocolate bliss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

What You Need For Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

For the Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake filling, choose fresh crackers for maximum crunch.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust together, ensuring a compact and sturdy base that holds the cheesecake layers perfectly.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates the rich, velvety texture of the cheesecake, select full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for smoothest results.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky smooth filling, sift to prevent lumps.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color, opt for high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for intense taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, choose pure vanilla for best aromatic notes.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Lightens the filling, creating a fluffy texture, ensure cream is cold for optimal whipping.
For the Ganache and Topping:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides luxurious chocolate layer, select dark or semi-sweet chocolate for balanced sweetness.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates smooth, glossy ganache topping, use fresh cream for best consistency.
  • Whipped Cream, Shaved Chocolate, Fresh Berries: Optional garnishes that add visual appeal and extra flavor dimensions.

Tools For Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • 8×8-inch baking pan: Perfect for creating these delectable chocolate cheesecake bars.
  • Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting of the bars.
  • Mixing bowls: One for the crust, another for the cheesecake filling.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy filling.
  • Spatula: Helps spread the filling evenly and smooth the top of the bars.
  • Small saucepan or microwave: Used for heating cream for the ganache.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
  • Knife: Needed for cutting the chilled bars into squares.

How To Make Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • Crust Foundation

Crush some chocolate cookies and blend them with melted butter. Press this delicious mixture into a pan, creating a sturdy base that will hold your creamy chocolate surprise. Slide the pan into the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the next layer.

  • Creamy Chocolate Layer

Whip softened cream cheese with cocoa powder until it’s silky smooth. Gently fold in some whipped cream to create a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. The mixture should look like a cloud of chocolate decadence.

  • Chocolate Drizzle

Warm some cream and pour it over chocolate chips. Watch the magic happen as they transform into a glossy, rich ganache. Pour this luxurious topping over your cheesecake layer, creating beautiful swirls and waves.

  • Chill and Reveal

Tuck the pan into the refrigerator and let it rest for a few hours. The bars will set into a perfect, cool treat that’s ready to be sliced and devoured. When you’re ready, lift the bars out, cut into squares, and prepare for pure chocolate bliss.

Helpful Tips For Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • No-Fail Chilling Technique: Refrigerate the bars for at least 6 hours or overnight for the most stable texture. Longer chilling helps the cheesecake set perfectly and enhances the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional cookie crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies. This simple substitution makes the dessert accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipped cream as replacements. Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips in the ganache to create a completely plant-based version of these decadent bars.
  • Flavor Boosters: Enhance the chocolate profile by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling or sprinkling sea salt on top of the ganache. These unexpected touches can elevate the depth and complexity of the dessert.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be prepared up to 5 days in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. For best presentation, add garnishes just before serving to maintain their fresh appearance and texture.

Serving Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars With Ease

  • Decadent Dessert Companions: Pair these rich chocolate cheesecake bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy contrast that enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • Berry Bliss Topping: Sprinkle fresh raspberries or strawberry slices on top to add a tart, fruity freshness that cuts through the dessert's richness and provides a beautiful color pop.
  • Coffee Lover's Dream: Serve alongside a hot espresso or cappuccino to complement the deep chocolate notes and create a sophisticated after-dinner treat that balances sweetness with robust coffee flavors.
  • Elegant Presentation Twist: Dust the bars with a light cocoa powder or powdered sugar sprinkle, then garnish with a few mint leaves for an Instagram-worthy dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Storage Advice For Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • Quick Cool-Down Strategy: Refrigerate the bars immediately after preparation to help them set faster and maintain their perfect texture. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
  • Freezing Magic: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats can stay frozen for up to 3 weeks, offering a make-ahead dessert option for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.
  • Fridge Life Extension: Store the cheesecake bars in the refrigerator for maximum 5-7 days. Place them in a sealed container with a tight lid to keep them fresh and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Smart Serving Tip: Always let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This gentle warming helps soften the texture slightly, releasing the rich chocolate flavors and creating a more luxurious eating experience.
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Smooth Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Smooth Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 11 1x

Description

Creamy chocolate no bake cheesecake bars combine rich chocolate with silky cream cheese for an effortless dessert. Cool graham cracker crusts and smooth chocolate layers provide delightful indulgence you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180 grams) chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo crumbs)
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters/ml) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped cream
  • Shaved chocolate
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Line a square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over edges. Blend cookie crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles compact, moist terrain.
  2. Filling Creation: Whip cream cheese until silky, then gradually fold in powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Incorporate whipped cream gently, maintaining a light, airy consistency while ensuring thorough mixing.
  3. Assembly: Remove chilled crust from refrigerator and spread chocolate cheesecake filling evenly across the surface, smoothing with a spatula to create a perfect, level landscape.
  4. Ganache Finishing: Heat heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate chips. Allow brief resting before stirring to develop a glossy, seamless coating. Drizzle ganache across the cheesecake, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours to set completely and intensify flavors. Once fully chilled, extract from pan using parchment paper overhang. Slice into precise squares and optionally garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Crumbly Crust: Press cookie crumbs firmly and evenly to create a compact base that holds together when sliced, avoiding a loose or falling-apart foundation.
  • Achieve Smooth Filling: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and whip thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a silky-smooth chocolate cheesecake texture without grainy inconsistencies.
  • Control Ganache Consistency: Allow hot cream to sit with chocolate chips for exactly 2-3 minutes before stirring, preventing separation and guaranteeing a glossy, perfectly blended ganache topping.
  • Optimize Chilling Time: Refrigerate for minimum 4-6 hours or overnight to develop deep flavors and allow complete setting, which helps bars maintain perfect slice-able consistency and intense chocolate profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 11
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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