Buckle up, flavor lovers, because we’re about to take a delightful ride through the world of Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars! This decadent, one-of-a-kind dessert is the perfect marriage of sweet and savory, blending the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the irresistible crunch of bacon and the gooey goodness of chocolate chips. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars
These Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars are a true showstopper, both in taste and presentation. The combination of velvety cheesecake, crispy bacon, and melty chocolate chips creates a unique and addictive flavor profile that will have your guests asking for seconds. Plus, with their beautiful layered appearance and festive flair, these bars are sure to be the star of any gathering, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations. Prepare to be the talk of the town with this epic, craveable dessert!
Ingredients
To craft these Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a simple list of pantry-friendly ingredients, including cream cheese, sugar, eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and, of course, chocolate chips and cooked bacon. Get ready to layer on the flavor and texture with this zesty, hearty, and indulgent ingredient lineup.
- 16 ounces – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Granulated sugar
- 3 – Eggs
- 1/2 cup – Sour cream
- 1 teaspoon – Vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 1 cup – Chocolate chips
- 6 slices – Cooked bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate Chips: Chopped nuts or dried fruit (for a different textural contrast)
- Bacon: Maple-glazed or peppered bacon (for a unique flavor twist)
How to Make Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars
Follow these simple steps to create your own indulgent Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Cook the bacon until crispy and golden, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add in the sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Pour half of the cheesecake batter into the prepared baking pan, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chocolate chips over the top. Carefully pour the remaining cheesecake batter over the bacon and chocolate chip layer, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set. Allow them to cool completely before slicing and serving. For an extra-special touch, you can drizzle the bars with melted chocolate or caramel sauce, or sprinkle them with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Fruity Twist: Swirl in a layer of your favorite jam or preserves for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Experiment with different nut toppings, such as chopped pecans or walnuts, to add crunch and depth to the dessert.
- Indulgent Finish: Top the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make these Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled, as the creamy cheesecake filling will have a lush, velvety texture.
Storage: They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making them the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully bloom.
Reheat: You can enjoy these bars at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Make-Ahead: These Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars can be made up to 5 days in advance, making them a convenient and impressive dessert option for your next gathering.
Nutrition Information
These Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars are a rich and indulgent treat, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of comfort and creaminess, thanks to the cream cheese and sour cream. The addition of bacon and chocolate chips adds a delightful savory-sweet balance, making this dessert a true crowd-pleaser.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 386 kcal
- Protein: 7 g
- Carbs: 28 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Sodium: 362 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is the classic choice for cheesecake, you could experiment with other soft cheeses, such as mascarpone or ricotta, to create a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make these Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
How do I get the perfect swirled appearance?
To achieve a beautiful swirled effect, use a butter knife or small offset spatula to gently drag through the batter after adding the bacon and chocolate chips. This will create a lovely marbled pattern on the surface of the bars.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can! These Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
The Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars are done when the center is just set, and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the bars to crack or become dry.
Try These Next
- sweet and spicy bacon cheesecake bars
- peanut butter and bacon cheesecake fudge bars
- chocolate covered bacon cheesecake bites for dessert lovers
Irresistible Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these rich and creamy Chocolate Chip Bacon Cheesecake Bars that combine the sweetness of chocolate with the savory crunch of bacon. Perfect for parties or a unique dessert!
Ingredients
– 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth.
6. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, chocolate chips, and chopped bacon, mixing until evenly distributed.
8. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
10. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
11.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the batter.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel for an extra treat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesecake, chocolate chip, bacon, dessert