Decadent Valentine’s Heart-Shaped Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
These rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake bars combine a fudgy chocolate crust with a silky smooth cheesecake filling, shaped into charming hearts perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ¾ cups (180g) chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreo cookies, finely crushed)
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120ml) sour cream
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries for garnish (optional)
- Heart-shaped cookie cutters for shaping bars
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. Stir until evenly moistened and crumbly.
- Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add sour cream and granulated sugar, mixing until silky and combined.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract, flour, and salt until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up.
- Lift cheesecake slab from pan using parchment overhang. Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut individual bars.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth texture. Press crust firmly to avoid crumbling. Avoid overmixing cheesecake filling to prevent cracks. Chill bars thoroughly before cutting for clean slices. Dip cookie cutter in warm water to prevent sticking. Optional water bath baking for ultra-smooth finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 heart-shaped bar
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Valentine's Day dessert, chocolate cheesecake bars, heart-shaped dessert, easy cheesecake bars, homemade chocolate dessert, creamy cheesecake, chocolate crust