Sumptuous Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Dreamy Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Decadent desserts often spark joy at gatherings, and these red velvet chocolate chip cheesecake bars elevate every sweet moment with their rich, velvety texture.

Layers of crimson cake merge seamlessly with creamy cheesecake and scattered chocolate chips for an irresistible treat.

The contrast between soft cake and smooth filling creates a mouthwatering experience that tempts even the most disciplined sweet tooth.

Each bar promises a perfect balance of flavors, blending classic red velvet warmth with indulgent cheesecake richness.

Chocolate chips add delightful bursts of intensity throughout the dessert.

These bars are not just a recipe but a celebration of luxurious flavors and textures.

One bite promises to transport you to dessert paradise, making every occasion feel special and deliciously memorable.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 259 kcal

Servings: 17

Everything In Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

For Red Velvet Layer:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture, choose unbleached for best flavor.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds deep chocolate richness, Dutch-processed works best for intense color.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender crumb, white sugar recommended.
  • Brown Sugar: Introduces moisture and caramel undertones, opt for dark brown for deeper flavor.
  • Butter: Creates richness and helps bind ingredients, use unsalted for precise flavor control.
  • Red Food Coloring: Generates signature vibrant red hue, gel coloring provides more concentrated color.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity, pure extract recommended over artificial.
  • White Vinegar: Activates baking powder and softens texture, apple cider vinegar works too.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds delightful chocolate bursts, use high-quality chocolate for better taste.
For Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base, room temperature ensures perfect blending.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens cheesecake layer, white sugar recommended for clean flavor.
  • Egg Yolk: Provides richness and helps set cheesecake layer, fresh eggs preferred.
For Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Powder: Helps red velvet layer rise and become fluffy, check freshness before using.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile, fine sea salt works best.

Tools For Baking Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

  • 8×8-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized bars.
  • Parchment paper: Ensures easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
  • Large mixing bowls: One for red velvet batter, another for dry ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending wet ingredients.
  • Electric mixer: Helps create smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
  • Knife or toothpick: Used for creating beautiful marbled swirls.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
  • Sifter: Helps remove lumps from dry ingredients for smooth texture.

Steps To Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars Sweet

  • Prep the Oven and Pan

Crank up the oven to 350F and line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.

  • Whip Up the Red Velvet Base

Blend melted butter with sugars until silky smooth. Splash in egg, vibrant food coloring, vanilla, and a touch of vinegar. Sift together dry ingredients in a separate bowl, then fold into the wet mixture. Sprinkle in chocolate chips and spread most of the batter into the pan.

  • Create the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Whisk cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until luxuriously smooth. Gently spread this dreamy mixture over the red velvet foundation.

  • Swirl and Decorate

Dot the remaining red velvet batter across the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to create beautiful marble patterns. Scatter extra chocolate chips on top for extra pizzazz.

  • Bake and Cool

Pop into the oven for 30-35 minutes until the center looks set. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into irresistible squares. Enjoy your decadent dessert!

Tips To Layer Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars Right

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bars up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a quick and delicious dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Cream Cheese Pro Tip: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother, lump-free cheesecake layer that blends perfectly.
  • Chocolate Lover's Variation: Mix in dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for different flavor profiles that'll tantalize your taste buds.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lower-sugar version of these decadent bars.

Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars Fancy Or Fun

  • Dessert Companion Delights: A decadent red velvet chocolate chip cheesecake bar deserves some amazing serving suggestions.
  • Romantic Date Night Treat: Cut into heart shapes for an intimate dessert perfect for sharing with your special someone, paired with a glass of champagne or rich espresso.
  • Picnic Party Platter: Slice into bite-sized squares and arrange on a beautiful serving tray with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant outdoor gathering.
  • Indulgent Ice Cream Topper: Crumble the bars over vanilla bean or cream cheese ice cream, creating a luxurious dessert mashup that combines creamy textures and rich chocolate chip flavors.
  • After-Dinner Elegant Finish: Plate individual bars with a small dollop of whipped cream, a few fresh raspberries, and a light drizzle of chocolate sauce for a restaurant-quality presentation that elevates the dessert experience.

Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars Smartly

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the red velvet cheesecake bars up to 3 days before serving. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their rich, creamy texture and vibrant color.
  • Freezer-Friendly Delight: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. These treats will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best taste and texture.
  • Portion Control Pro: Cut bars into uniform squares and separate layers with parchment paper when storing. This prevents sticking and makes grabbing a quick dessert super easy.
  • Serving Sensation: Remove bars from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly. The slight temperature change enhances the creamy cheesecake layer and allows chocolate chips to become slightly more melty and indulgent.
Print
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Sumptuous Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Sumptuous Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Red velvet chocolate chip cheesecake bars blend creamy cheesecake with classic red velvet flavors for an indulgent dessert. Rich layers of velvety texture and chocolate chips promise a delightful experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsps unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless extraction.
  2. Red Velvet Base Creation: Whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a glossy, homogeneous mixture.
  3. Wet Ingredient Integration: Blend egg, vibrant red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar into the butter mixture, stirring until uniformly combined.
  4. Dry Ingredient Preparation: Sift flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps.
  5. Batter Assembly: Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture gently, maintaining a light texture and avoiding overmixing, then incorporate mini chocolate chips evenly.
  6. Base Layer Composition: Spread approximately three-quarters of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, creating an even foundation.
  7. Cheesecake Layer Development: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, mixing until silky and perfectly integrated.
  8. Layer Arrangement: Carefully spread cheesecake mixture over the red velvet base, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  9. Decorative Swirling: Dollop remaining red velvet batter across the cheesecake layer and use a knife to create elegant swirls without fully combining the batters.
  10. Final Touches: Sprinkle additional mini chocolate chips on top for enhanced texture and visual appeal.
  11. Baking Process: Bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring for a set center and clean toothpick indication of doneness.
  12. Cooling and Serving: Allow bars to cool completely in the pan, then lift out using parchment paper and slice into neat, uniform squares.

Notes

  • Prevent Color Bleeding: Add food coloring gradually and mix thoroughly to ensure an even, vibrant red color without streaks or uneven patches.
  • Soften Cream Cheese Correctly: Leave cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer that blends effortlessly.
  • Control Chocolate Chip Distribution: Toss mini chocolate chips in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the bars.
  • Master the Swirl Technique: Use a clean knife or toothpick to create gentle, delicate swirls without overmixing, maintaining distinct red velvet and cheesecake layers for a stunning visual effect.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 259
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 47 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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