Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Irresistible Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Red velvet chocolate chip cheesecake bars represent an indulgent dessert that marries several beloved flavor profiles into one decadent treat.

These luxurious bars combine rich, velvety textures with a stunning crimson hue that catches everyone’s attention.

chocolate chips scattered throughout the dessert add delightful bursts of sweetness and complexity to each bite.

The creamy cheesecake layer provides a smooth, tangy counterpoint to the dense, moist cake base.

Elegant yet approachable, these bars work perfectly for intimate gatherings or festive celebrations where dessert becomes the star attraction.

Guests will appreciate the sophisticated blend of classic ingredients upgradeed into something extraordinary.

Your taste buds deserve this irresistible combination of soft, crumbly cake and silky cream cheese.

Why Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Are a Favorite

  • Indulge in Rich Flavor Fusion: These red velvet chocolate chip cheesecake bars blend the classic tang of cream cheese with the deep, velvety chocolate taste, creating a decadent dessert that surprises your taste buds with every bite.
  • Effortless Baking Magic: With simple mixing techniques and a straightforward layering process, this recipe transforms basic ingredients into an impressive dessert that looks professionally crafted, making even novice bakers feel like culinary experts.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Texture Delight: Each bar offers a perfect balance of soft, creamy cheesecake and dense, rich red velvet base, complemented by the delightful crunch of chocolate chips, ensuring a satisfying sensory experience with every single slice.
  • Make-Ahead Party Hero: These bars can be prepared in advance and chilled overnight, making them an ideal dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treat, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious moments with friends and family.

Ingredients in Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Base Layer:
  • Red Velvet Cake Mix: Classic mix providing rich red color and cake-like texture for the base.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the base layer together.
  • Egg: Provides structure and helps ingredients combine smoothly.
Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creamy, tangy base for classic cheesecake filling, best when softened at room temperature.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer and balances cream cheese's tanginess.
  • Sour Cream: Adds moisture and subtle tanginess to the cheesecake layer.
  • Large Egg: Helps set and stabilize the cheesecake mixture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides delightful chocolate bursts throughout the bars, can use semi-sweet or milk chocolate varieties.

How to Make Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Create Red Velvet Base

In a mixer, combine:
  • Butter
  • 1 egg
  • Cake mix

Mix until a thick dough forms. Press evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 3: Whip Cheesecake Filling

In a clean mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add:
  • Granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • Sour cream
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until completely smooth with no lumps. (Tip: Ingredients should be at room temperature for best results)

Step 4: Add Chocolate Chips

Gently stir chocolate chips into the cheesecake mixture.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Pour cheesecake mixture over the red velvet layer in the pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes until edges turn golden brown and center is set but slightly jiggly.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

Allow bars to cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before cutting into bars.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Bar Baking Tips

  • Soften Ingredients Strategically: Allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing and optimal texture.
  • Master the Mixing Technique: Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on low speed to prevent overmixing, which can create dense, tough bars.
  • Check Baking Doneness Carefully: Watch for slightly browned edges and a center that jiggles gently – this indicates perfectly baked cheesecake bars.
  • Chill for Perfect Slicing: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to help bars set firmly and make cutting clean, precise squares easier.
  • Line Pan Perfectly: Use foil with cooking spray for effortless removal and clean slicing of your decadent dessert bars.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for Cheesecake Bars

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store these delectable red velvet cheesecake bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Carefully layer bars between sheets of parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their gorgeous appearance.
  • Freeze for Later: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Frozen bars stay fresh for 2-3 months, offering a sweet treat whenever a craving strikes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Reheating Tips: Enjoy these bars chilled for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a slightly warmed treat, microwave individual bars for 10-15 seconds on low power. Watch carefully to prevent chocolate chips from overheating and losing their delightful texture.

What to Pair with Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Latte: The rich, velvety red velvet base and decadent chocolate chips perfectly complement the smooth, aromatic vanilla latte, creating a harmonious balance of sweet and creamy flavors.
  • Serve alongside Fresh Raspberry Coulis: The tart, bright raspberry sauce cuts through the richness of the cheesecake bars, adding a refreshing contrast and enhancing the dessert's vibrant red color.
  • Match with Sparkling Rosé Wine: The light, bubbly rosé provides a delicate effervescence that cleanses the palate between bites of the dense, indulgent cheesecake bars, offering a sophisticated dessert pairing.
  • Enjoy with Cold Milk: The classic combination of chocolate chip cheesecake bars and a chilled glass of milk creates a nostalgic, comforting experience that brings out the dessert's sweet and creamy notes.

Fun Variations of Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

  • Festive Peppermint Chocolate Chip Bars: Swap red velvet cake mix with white cake mix and add crushed candy canes to the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle extra peppermint pieces on top for a cool, minty holiday version.
  • Berry Bliss Cream Cheese Bars: Replace red food coloring with pureed strawberries or raspberries in the cake mix. Fold fresh berries into the cheesecake layer for a fruity, vibrant alternative.
  • Nutty Caramel Chocolate Chip Bars: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the red velvet base. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top after chilling for a rich, decadent upgrade.
  • Cookies and Cream Edition: Use chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs instead of red velvet cake mix. Fold crushed cookies into the cheesecake layer for extra crunch and classic flavor.
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Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars blend classic Southern charm with creamy indulgence. Rich chocolate chips and velvety cream cheese create a luxurious dessert that melts perfectly on your palate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix
  • 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened

Dairy and Sweeteners:

  • ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (61g) sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 egg

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) pan with aluminum foil, then lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Create the red velvet base by combining softened butter, one egg, and the cake mix in a stand mixer or hand mixer. Blend until a thick, cohesive dough forms, then evenly press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Craft the cheesecake layer by first beating the cream cheese until completely smooth and uniform. Gradually incorporate granulated sugar, ensuring a silky texture without lumps.
  4. Add the remaining large egg, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly until the filling becomes completely smooth and homogeneous. Note: Ingredients must be at room temperature for optimal results.
  5. Gently fold chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet layer, creating a clean and even distribution across the entire pan.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden brown and the center sets with a slight jiggle.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to achieve the ideal texture and consistency.
  9. Once chilled, slice into individual bars and serve.

Notes

  • Unlock the secret to perfectly creamy cheesecake bars with room temperature ingredients, ensuring a smooth and lump-free texture.
  • Achieve bakery-quality results by using a stand mixer or hand mixer to create a thick, rich red velvet base that sets the foundation for these decadent bars.
  • Cool and chill the bars completely to allow the cheesecake to set properly, transforming the texture from soft to beautifully firm and sliceable.
  • Prevent sticking and ensure easy removal by lining the pan with foil and using cooking spray, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Look for slightly browned edges and a center that’s set but still has a gentle jiggle when baking, which indicates the perfect doneness for creamy cheesecake bars.
  • Elevate the dessert by using high-quality chocolate chips that melt beautifully throughout the cheesecake layer, creating pockets of rich chocolate goodness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 285 kcal
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Simple Everyday Recipes, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Creative Meal Planning, Recipe Testing and Improvement

Education

Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wisconsin

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Practical culinary training, fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and using fresh, local ingredients.

Lake Superior College, Duluth, Minnesota

  • Program: Certificate in Sustainable Food Systems
  • Focus: Cooking methods that promote sustainability, farm-to-table practices, and eco-friendly meal creation.

Lucas Bennett’s cooking journey started in his parents’ kitchen, where he learned to prepare tasty, no-fuss meals from scratch. His culinary passion led him to Fox Valley Technical College, where he gained practical cooking skills.
He then expanded his focus on sustainability at Lake Superior College. Today, Lucas shares easy, approachable recipes designed to make cooking enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.

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