Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars because they’re incredibly easy to make and perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven. The combination of the smooth, creamy cheesecake filling and the indulgent chocolate topping makes for a rich and satisfying dessert. The graham cracker crust adds a lovely crunch, balancing out the richness of the filling. Best of all, no baking required—just chill and enjoy!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

• ¼ cup sugar

• ½ cup butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or milk chocolate chips)

• 2 tbsp butter

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Crust:

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture begins to stick together.

2. Press the Crust into the Pan: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to press it down. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

3. Mix the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat again until fully incorporated and smooth.

4. Spread the Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or until the filling is firm.

Make the Chocolate Topping:

5. Melt the Chocolate: In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips and butter over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and fully combined. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

6. Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled cheesecake filling and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Chill and Serve:

7. Chill Again: Return the bars to the refrigerator and chill for an additional 1-2 hours, or until the chocolate topping is set.

8. Cut and Serve: Once the bars are firm and set, remove them from the refrigerator. Slice them into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 9-12 bars, depending on how large you slice them. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and chilling time is 3-4 hours in total (1-2 hours for the crust and filling to firm up and 1-2 hours for the chocolate to set). These bars are easy to prepare and great for making ahead of time for a gathering or special occasion.

Variations

These No-Bake Cheesecake Bars are versatile and can be customized:

• Add fruit: Top the cheesecake with fresh berries, like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.

• Use different chocolate: You can switch the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.

• Nutty crust: Add chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the graham cracker crust for an extra crunch and flavor.

• Peanut butter twist: Mix some peanut butter into the cheesecake filling for a creamy, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The cheesecake bars will remain firm and delicious as long as they stay chilled. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead of time! They need at least 3-4 hours of chilling time, so they’re great for prepping a day or two before you plan to serve them.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes! You can swap the graham cracker crust with oreo crumbs, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookie crumbs for a different flavor.

Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese?

You can use whipped cream cheese for a lighter texture, but regular cream cheese will yield a firmer, richer filling.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust to make the recipe gluten-free.

How do I make these bars more decadent?

For a richer taste, you can drizzle some caramel sauce or add a layer of whipped cream on top before serving. You could also sprinkle a few chopped nuts for added texture.

Conclusion

These Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and indulgent. With their smooth cream cheese filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and rich chocolate topping, they make for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit at your next gathering!