Death By Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

These Death By Chocolate No Bake Cheesecake Bars are the answer for chocoholics and lazy bakers alike. Whether I need a last minute treat for a potluck or a decadent finish to a cozy night in these bars always impress without turning on the oven. Every bite is incredibly creamy and topped with a layer of rich chocolate you will not believe how easy they come together.

After I first made these for a friend’s birthday they quickly became my go to for celebrations. I have never met anyone who could resist them and now I get requests for the recipe all the time.

Ingredients

• Oreo cookies: These form the base and supply intense chocolate flavor Choose regular classic ones for best texture
• Unsalted butter: Holds the crust together Skip salted varieties to control flavor balance
• Dark chocolate: Use high quality for both crust and filling. Look for at least sixty percent cacao
• Brick style cream cheese: Crucial for a creamy filling Go for full fat and make sure it is softened
• Heavy whipping cream: Makes the filling silky Choose fresh cream for a smooth texture
• Baileys Irish Cream or Kahlua (optional): This deepens the chocolate notes. Use a splash if making for adults
• Salt: Just a pinch brings depth and cuts the richness. Fine sea salt works best
• Mini semi sweet chocolate chips: These add fun crunch and a pop of sweetness. Opt for real chocolate chips

Instructions

Prepare the Pan:

Line a nine inch square pan with foil. Smooth out any wrinkles so the bars release easily and cleanup is a breeze. Spray the surface lightly with cooking spray to avoid sticking

Make the Oreo Crust:

Place whole Oreos into a food processor and blitz to fine crumbs. Melt butter with a tablespoon of chocolate in a small bowl microwave for about twenty seconds. Pour the melted mixture over the crumbs and pulse until evenly moistened. Firmly press this mix into the pan creating a tight even layer. Gently tamp with the bottom of a measuring cup for best results

Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:

Beat softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl with a handheld mixer for three minutes until extra fluffy. This is key for a smooth texture with no lumps

Melt the Chocolate and Cream:

Combine chopped dark chocolate and heavy cream in a separate bowl. Microwave in thirty second bursts stirring between each until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is silky smooth. This usually takes ninety seconds but watch closely to avoid scorching

Blend Filling and Chocolate:

Pour the chocolate cream into the beaten cream cheese. Mix on high speed until the filling is deeply chocolatey and fully combined. Add a tablespoon of Baileys or Kahlua and a half teaspoon of salt if using then beat again. Taste for balance and add more salt if desired

Assemble the Bars:

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the Oreo crust using a spatula to smooth the surface. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips across the top so every bite gets some crunch

Chill the Bars:

Refrigerate uncovered for at least three hours Letting them firm up makes slicing and serving neat and easy. After chilling cover loosely with foil to keep the texture perfect

Slice and Serve:

When ready lift the foil out and cut the bars with a sharp knife wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges Serve cold for maximum creaminess

I am obsessed with the moment when you swirl that dark chocolate into the fluffy cream cheese – it is hypnotic and smells amazing Each time my kids sneak a chocolate chip from the top we laugh and it reminds me of all the fun we have baking together

Storage Tips

Cover bars tightly after chilling with foil or plastic wrap to avoid absorbing fridge odors They keep well for up to five days. If you need to store them longer freeze sliced bars in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. For best flavor and texture let frozen bars sit at room temperature for fifteen minutes before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chocolate sandwich cookies without the cream for a less sweet crust. Replace dark chocolate with milk or bittersweet for a different chocolate profile. If skipping liqueur add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out the flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve cubes of these bars alongside coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a grownup dessert. Garnish each bar with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of flaky salt for visual pop. Dress up for holidays by adding crushed peppermint candy or chocolate curls to the top before chilling

Cultural and Historical Context

No bake cheesecakes became wildly popular in mid twentieth century America when home cooks sought quick impressive desserts This version combines the American preference for chocolate overload with European flourishes like a splash of Irish Cream

Seasonal Adaptations

Add a swirl of raspberry puree to the filling for a spring twist. Top with crushed peppermint or candied ginger in winter. Mix in chopped toasted nuts for a fall inspired crunch

Three Notes

Let the bars fully chill for cleanest slices. Use the best quality chocolate you can find for maximum flavor. Do not skip lining the pan – it is the secret to easy serving and pretty bars

Success Stories

I have made these bars for birthdays class parties and as a thank you for neighbors Each time someone tells me they were the hit of the table My mom now makes them every holiday because they are simple and universally loved

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze slice bars and layer them in a sealable container with parchment paper between layers They thaw perfectly and taste as fresh as day one Works beautifully for planning ahead or sending as gifts

These bars embody pure chocolate joy — no oven, no fuss, just pure creamy decadence. Make them once and they just might become your go to dessert for every celebration.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of chocolate works best?

Use quality dark chocolate for deep flavor. Semi-sweet or bittersweet varieties also yield good results.

→ Can I use another cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can substitute Oreos with chocolate graham crackers or other crisp chocolate cookies for the base.

→ How do I ensure a smooth cheesecake layer?

Soften cream cheese thoroughly and beat until fluffy before combining with the silky melted chocolate mixture.

→ Is it necessary to add salt?

Adding salt helps balance the richness of chocolate, but you may adjust or omit it based on your preference.

→ How long should the bars chill before serving?

Chill the bars at least 3 hours or overnight for optimal texture and easiest slicing.

→ Can I add liqueur for extra flavor?

Baileys or Kahlua is optional but provides a subtle, adult depth to the finished dessert.