Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent and Rich: With a luscious cheesecake filling and layers of rich chocolate, these bars are a chocolate lover’s dream.
- No-Bake Convenience: Simply mix, chill, and serve. It doesn’t get easier or more satisfying than this!
- Make-Ahead: These bars can be prepared ahead of time, making them the perfect dessert for busy days or dinner parties.
- Versatile: You can customize with or without Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua, and tweak the salt for just the right flavor balance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 18 Oreo cookies
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate, melted
- 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, but recommended for flavor balance)
- ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Make the Crust: Add the Oreo cookies (whole) to a food processor and process on high speed until fine crumbs are formed.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 tablespoon of dark chocolate. Heat in the microwave until melted and smooth.
- Combine Crust Ingredients: Add the melted butter-chocolate mixture to the Oreo crumbs in the food processor. Process on high to incorporate. Turn the crumb mixture into the prepared pan and pack it down firmly to form an even, flat crust. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a handheld electric mixer on high speed until fluffy.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, add the chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is silky smooth (about 90 seconds).
- Combine Cream Cheese and Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the bowl with the cream cheese. Beat on high until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Liquor and Salt: Optionally, add the Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua, and salt. The salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the richness.
- Assemble the Cheesecake Bars: Evenly spread the creamy chocolate mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly on top of the cheesecake filling.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 3 hours, or overnight. After 3 hours, the dessert will be sufficiently chilled and firm. You can cover it with foil once it’s fully chilled to avoid condensation.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich chocolatey goodness!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Additional chill time: 3 hours
- Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Make it Boozy: Add Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua for a boozy twist, or use your favorite liqueur.
- Different Toppings: Try other toppings like crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or white chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Go Lighter: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy whipping cream with a lighter cream or even yogurt.
- Use Milk Chocolate: If you prefer a sweeter, less intense chocolate flavor, try using milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store these cheesecake bars in the fridge for up to 10 days. They can be kept covered in an airtight container for even longer, though they may start to lose texture over time.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Just slice and serve straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time. Just chill for at least 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes! If you prefer a sweeter taste, milk chocolate will work fine. Just note that it will alter the flavor slightly.
Do I need to add the Baileys or Kahlua?
No, the liqueur is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can skip it.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure they’re stored in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
How do I ensure the cheesecake bars hold together?
Make sure to chill the bars long enough—at least 3 hours or more—so that the filling firms up.
Conclusion
Death-By-Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. With layers of rich chocolate and a creamy filling, these bars are decadent and irresistible. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for any occasion. So, get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat!
Death-By-Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars
Death-By-Chocolate No-Bake Cheesecake Bars are a decadent, no-bake dessert loaded with rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with mini chocolate chips. A perfect make-ahead treat for chocolate lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
18 Oreo cookies
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon dark chocolate, melted
4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened
8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
¾ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua (optional)
½ teaspoon salt (optional, but recommended for flavor balance)
½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a 9×9-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a food processor, process the Oreo cookies until fine crumbs form.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter and 1 tablespoon of melted dark chocolate. Heat until smooth.
- Combine the melted butter-chocolate mixture with the Oreo crumbs in the food processor, then press the mixture into the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth (about 90 seconds).
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the cream cheese and beat until smooth and fully combined.
- If desired, add Baileys or Kahlua and salt. Beat until incorporated.
- Spread the creamy chocolate mixture evenly over the crust in the pan.
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Chill the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
Optional liqueurs like Baileys or Kahlua can add depth of flavor, but they are not necessary.
If you prefer a sweeter dessert, substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate.
Feel free to add other toppings like crushed nuts, caramel drizzle, or white chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg