Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sinking your teeth into a luscious chocolate no bake cheesecake bars that melt instantly on your tongue.

Smooth, creamy textures blend perfectly with rich chocolate undertones.

Weeknight desserts rarely come this decadent and simple to create.

Zero baking means minimal kitchen mess and maximum flavor enjoyment.

Chilled treats always steal the spotlight at gatherings, especially when they look this stunning.

Minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction describe these incredible bars perfectly.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for instant dessert magic.

What’s So Good About Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Bliss: These no-bake cheesecake bars deliver an intense chocolate experience that melts in your mouth, combining rich cream cheese and deep cocoa flavors for ultimate dessert satisfaction.
  • Effortless Dessert Magic: Create a stunning sweet treat without turning on the oven, making this recipe perfect for busy home bakers who want maximum taste with minimal effort and zero baking skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture Sensation: Enjoy a luxurious combination of smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and crisp cookie crust that provides delightful contrast, ensuring every bite is exciting and memorable for both kids and adults.
  • Make-Ahead Party Hero: Prepare these bars in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to have a show-stopping dessert ready to impress guests with minimal last-minute preparation and stress.

What Goes Into Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers, Chocolate Wafers: Crumbly base with a rich, sweet foundation that provides delightful texture and chocolate undertone.
  • Unsalted Butter: Binds cookie crumbs together and adds rich, smooth flavor to the crust.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy base that creates smooth and luxurious cheesecake texture.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create silky smooth filling consistency.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and beautiful dark color to the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Creates light, airy texture and adds volume to the filling.
Ganache Topping Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides rich, glossy chocolate layer with intense flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create smooth, spreadable ganache with perfect consistency.

Easy Steps For Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Create the Delicious Base

Grab a square baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy lifting. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Chocolate cookie crumbs
  • Melted butter

Mix everything until the crumbs look like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the pan, creating a solid foundation. Pop the pan in the refrigerator while you whip up the dreamy filling.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Chocolate Magic

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

Blend until the mixture looks silky smooth and there are no lumps. Gently fold in whipped cream, creating a light and fluffy chocolate cloud.

Step 3: Layer the Delightful Filling

Pull out the chilled crust and spread the chocolate cheesecake mixture evenly across the surface. Use a spatula to create a perfectly smooth top.

Step 4: Add Luxurious Chocolate Drizzle

Heat heavy cream until it’s steaming hot but not boiling. Pour the cream over chocolate chips and let them sit for a few minutes. Stir until you have a glossy, smooth ganache. Drizzle the chocolate goodness over the cheesecake layer, covering every inch.

Step 5: Chill and Set the Treat

Cover the pan and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This allows the bars to firm up and develop maximum flavor.

Step 6: Slice and Enjoy

Use the parchment paper to lift the entire dessert out of the pan. Slice into perfect squares. For an extra touch of elegance, top with:
  • Whipped cream
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh berries

Indulge in your no-bake chocolate cheesecake bars and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure deliciousness!

Helpful Tips For Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • Chill Crust Completely: Refrigerate the crust for 15-20 minutes before adding the filling to ensure a firm, crisp base that won't crumble when slicing.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
  • Prevent Ganache Separation: Cool chocolate mixture slightly before adding cream to avoid breaking or becoming grainy, creating a silky-smooth topping.
  • Customize Crust Options: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or add crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor variations.
  • Make Ahead and Store: These bars can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, covered tightly in the refrigerator, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.

How To Keep Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • Refrigerate Leftovers
  • Store bars in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Freeze for Longer Storage
  • Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze successfully for 2-3 months without losing quality.
  • Thaw Safely
  • Transfer frozen bars to the refrigerator overnight. Allow them to defrost slowly to maintain texture and prevent condensation.
  • Reheat Recommendation
  • Enjoy these bars chilled directly from the refrigerator. Room temperature serving enhances the creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor.

Pairings For Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Grab a glass of full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich chocolate flavors. The wine's dark fruit notes and subtle tannins beautifully balance the creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Match with Espresso Shots: Serve alongside a small, strong espresso to enhance the chocolate intensity. The coffee's bitter undertones will highlight the dessert's sweet and smooth profile, creating a classic Italian-style indulgence.
  • Elevate with Raspberry Coulis: Drizzle a tangy homemade raspberry sauce around the cheesecake bars. The bright, slightly acidic berry notes will cut through the chocolate's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve with Aged Port: Pour a glass of sweet, complex port wine that echoes the dessert's deep chocolate character. Its caramel and dried fruit notes will create a luxurious tasting experience that elevates the cheesecake bars.

Tasty Twists On Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • Nutty Chocolate Haven: Swap cookie crumbs with crushed almonds or pecans in the crust for a rich, crunchy base that adds depth and nutty flavor to the cheesecake bars.
  • Espresso Chocolate Dream: Mix strong espresso powder into the cheesecake filling to create a sophisticated coffee-chocolate combination that elevates the dessert's complexity.
  • Berry Chocolate Fusion: Top the ganache layer with fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries to introduce a bright, tangy contrast against the rich chocolate cheesecake.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Bliss: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the ganache layer, creating a decadent balance between sweet chocolate and salty caramel notes.

All Your Questions About Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars

  • What makes these cheesecake bars different from traditional cheesecake?

These no-bake bars eliminate the need for oven baking, making them super easy to prepare and perfect for hot summer days. The chocolate variation adds a rich, decadent twist to the classic cheesecake recipe.

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

Absolutely! While graham crackers work great, you can substitute with chocolate cookies, digestive biscuits, or oreo cookies to customize the base and add extra flavor to your cheesecake bars.

  • How do I ensure my cheesecake filling is smooth and lump-free?

Always use room temperature cream cheese and beat it thoroughly before adding other ingredients. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix until the filling is completely smooth and creamy with no visible lumps.

  • Is it necessary to add the chocolate ganache topping?

The ganache is optional but highly recommended. It adds a luxurious chocolate layer that enhances the overall flavor and gives the bars a professional, elegant finish. If you want to skip it, the cheesecake will still be delicious on its own.

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Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

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

Description

Silky chocolate no bake cheesecake bars melt smoothly between creamy layers of graham cracker crust and rich chocolate filling. Cool summer desserts never tasted more delightful when chilled and sliced for quick sweet indulgence.


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

Chocolate and Sugar Components:

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

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

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

Optional Garnishes:

  • Whipped cream
  • Shaved chocolate
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Create a sturdy foundation by lining a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the edges for effortless removal. Combine cookie crumbs with melted butter, mixing thoroughly until the mixture resembles damp sand.
  2. Press the crumb mixture compactly into the pan’s base, creating an even, dense layer. Slide the pan into the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until velvety smooth. Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture achieves a luxurious, silky consistency.
  4. Gently fold whipped cream into the chocolate cream cheese base, maintaining the airy texture and ensuring complete integration of ingredients.
  5. Extract the chilled crust from the refrigerator and carefully spread the chocolate cheesecake filling across the surface, using a spatula to create a perfectly level top.
  6. For the optional ganache, warm heavy cream until steaming. Pour the hot cream over chocolate chips and allow to rest briefly before stirring until achieving a glossy, uniform texture.
  7. Cascade the ganache over the cheesecake layer, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Seal the pan and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the dessert to set completely and develop rich, intense flavors.
  9. Once fully chilled, lift the dessert from the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into precise squares and optionally embellish with a delicate garnish of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy filling.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond flour.
  • Customize the ganache by experimenting with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate for varied flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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