Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
When the chilly winds blow and the holiday lights sparkle, there’s something magical about the comfort of a rich, warm dessert. I can still remember those cozy winter nights spent by the fire, the scent of rich cocoa swirling in the air, and the laughter echoing through the room. Those moments have inspired me to create these delicious Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars—a dessert that captures the very essence of winter comfort in every delightful bite. Perfectly creamy with a hint of chocolate sweetness and topped off with fluffy mini marshmallows, this dreamy dessert is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Trust me, you’ll want to pin this recipe for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy No-Bake Delight: These bars are simple to whip up without turning on the oven, making them a great option for busy holiday gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake is a universal favorite that is sure to impress family and friends.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare them in advance and let the flavors meld together; they just get better as they chill!
- Festive Touch: With a fluffy marshmallow topping and optional chocolate ganache, they add a delightful holiday flair to any dessert table.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut them into bars for a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself)!
Gather These Simple Ingredients
To create your own Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars, you will need:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- ½ cup chocolate ganache (optional for topping)
How to Make Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Let’s create some delicious memories together! Follow these simple steps:
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In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan to form the crust.
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In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and free of lumps.
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Add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and mix until well combined, letting the rich chocolate flavor take center stage.
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In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until just combined, keeping it airy and light.
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Spread the creamy filling over the graham cracker crust evenly—smoothing it out for a beautiful finish.
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If you’re using it, drizzle the ganache on top and swirl with a knife for decoration—creating a beautiful marbled effect.
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Top generously with mini marshmallows for that cozy touch.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set—this step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture!
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Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature, savoring each creamy bite.
Delicious Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Here are some delicious variations to make your Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars even more exciting:
- Nutty Crunch: Add some crushed walnuts or pecans to the graham cracker crust for an added layer of flavor and crunch.
- Minty Fresh: Incorporate peppermint extract into the cream cheese mixture for a delightful holiday twist.
- Fruit Fusion: Top the bars with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a tangy contrast to the sweet chocolate.
- Spiced Indulgence: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a heartwarming flavor that sings of cozy holidays.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- Make-Ahead Advice: These bars taste even better the next day, so prepare them a day in advance for a delicious treat that’s ready when you are.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream cheese or magic whipped topping for the filling.
- Slicing Tricks: For perfect slices, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water; it’ll glide through the bars without dragging.
- Storage Suggestions: Keep these cheesecake bars covered in the refrigerator for up to one week—if they last that long!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the nutrition information per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 288
- Carbs: 26g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 165mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use different ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different chocolate types or whipped cream substitutes to suit your taste.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How long does it last?
These cheesecake bars should remain fresh for up to five days in the fridge, but they’ll likely be gone before then!
A Cozy Closing Note
These Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars bring the warmth and joy of the season right to your kitchen. With their creamy texture and delightful flavors, they’re not just a treat; they’re a way to gather and celebrate with loved ones, reminiscing about sweet memories and creating new ones to cherish. Save this Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars recipe to your holiday dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cups heavy cream
- 1 cups semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For topping
- 1 cups mini marshmallows
- 0.5 cups chocolate ganache (optional) For a decorative topping
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch pan to form the crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, and mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until just combined.
- Spread the creamy filling over the graham cracker crust evenly.
- If using, drizzle the ganache on top and swirl with a knife for decoration.
- Top generously with mini marshmallows.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Cut into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
