Layered Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
November 18, 2008 by Heather R.
Filed under Chocolate, Chocolate Pictures, Chocolate Recipes
Oh you guys, I think I’ve found the most decadent chocolate dessert I’ve ever made. These bars are amazing. Over the weekend I was doing a search over at Food Network and this was on the front page. On a whim I decided to give them a shot because wow, that’s a lot of chocolate and I needed to try it!
So they were originally called Chocolate Cheesecake Candy Cane Bars. Here’s the thing: I’m not terribly crazy about hard candy — and especially candy canes — crunched up on top of softer desserts. I like them on their own if I’m in the mood, but otherwise no, leave my desserts alone!
So I substituted chopped walnuts instead and I honestly cannot imagine these with anything else. I really don’t think the candy cane would have worked as well unless you added a touch of peppermint extract to the top layer, but honestly even that I think would be overdoing it.
I think I’d also add just a touch more melted butter to the crushed Oreo crust because it crumbled more than I’d like after it was baked.
Anyway. On to some pictures!
My two eight-year-olds helped me with the “action shots” (in actuality it was nearly a fight to the death over who would get to take which shots, but as you can see it all worked out in the end. Yay kids in the kitchen!)
I didn’t take a picture of the crushed Oreos but this works. This is added to the cream cheese/sour cream mixture in the next picture:
I was so happy when I read that the recipe called for sour cream — I love cheesecakes with sour cream. Don’t mind the messy counter in the background - it was grocery day.
The processed cheesecake mixture was very thick and gloppy and heavenly and delicious.
The chocolate topping. Need a closer look?
That’s better.
After the cheesecake bakes you drizzle the chocolate topping on while the cheesecake is still warm. Let the whole thing cool down a bit more before putting it in the fridge and then let it stay in there until it’s completely chilled and set through.
My top chocolate layer cracked a bit after sitting in the fridge for a couple of days but of course that didn’t affect the taste at all!
Now that is a thing of chocolate beauty. The foil lining the pan makes it extremely easy to lift the whole thing out for cutting, and then it plops back into the pan with no problem when you’re done.
Want some? 
Good grief - I just came across this post from TWD - those bars should be illegal - I must make them soon!
Hi Megan! I’m so glad you stopped by!
I’ve got my TWD on the stove right now, but wanted to get something up in the meantime - you’ve got to try them, they’re amazing!
Wow…these look decadent! We’re invited to a dinner party friday. I was going to make cheesecake brownies but these might have to be the choice instead!
Are you kidding? of course, I want some!
Oh, my word! What a great picture! The bars look to die for. Thanks for sharing the recipe. I can’t wait to try these.
Yes, I do want some. That’s a heart-stopper right there, but one that I would love to try!
This looks sinful! So chocolatey!
Those are awesome! They sat in your fridge for a few days!!!?? What willpower!
Hi !!!
Your pictures are amazing; thanks to your kids
Can you tell me by what can I substitute sour cream please ? we don’t have such ingredient here in France. Thanks a lot !
Hi Nolwenn! From what I’ve found you can substitute yogurt instead of sour cream. It won’t taste as rich but should work just as well.
Looks deelish! Definitely saving this recipe for the Christmas party I am going to in a few weeks! That should send everyone into chocolate overdrive!
Heather, these look heavenly! My mouth is watering. Great photos too. Thanks for the link and your alterations - which I agree with 100%!!
Nolwenn…could you try Creme Fraiche?
FYI-I made a version of this beauty for a dinner party last night. It was a huge hit and the hosts even asked if they could keep the leftovers for their chocoholic family coming in town today.
I used Trader Joe’s Candy Cane Joe Joe’s cookies for the base, made the cheesecake as directed, added peppermint extract to the glaze, then topped with alternating Lindt lindor truffles that were halved (part were the snowmen…milk choc w/ white filling, the other part were dark choc w/ peppermint filling) then put some white chocolate drizzled over the top and iced the outer edge with cocoa buttercream. Tasted amazing!
I had a heartattack just by looking at these. I WANT ONE!
Those look absolutely gorgeous! It’s making my mouth water.
I saw this recipe on the food network site a couple months ago when I was making my rough list of recipe ideas for the holidays. My top chocolate layer came out so incredibly hard. Any suggestions on how to soften it up?
Hi Amanda! I would add a touch more sour cream or even corn syrup to help keep it on the softer side. I expected mine to set up a lot harder than it did but it’s actually pretty easy to get through (I think I added an extra teaspoon or so of sour cream).
I’m going to have to make these for a holiday party. They look sinfully delicious:P
That looks so good!
Oh, man. I’m going to have to invite some friends over just so I can make that. I’ll weigh a bazillion pounds if I make it for just me and the King of Everything!
Wow, I am now craving chocolate! I think I’ll head over to Perugia this weekend and gorge!
Hopped over from tastespotting! Yum, your photos looks great!
~ingrid
:drool: OMG. I am making this one day. First chocolate cake that has made me say that. I eat it when offered, but there are other things I am more tempted to make…. but this…. :O
That looks so decadent and good!
where the heck is the recipe?!
Joann, the recipe is linked in the second paragraph, where it says “Chocolate Cheesecake Candy Cane Bars.”
Oh my god (spoken in the style of Janice from Friends) - that looks amazing. I’m so going to have to have some of that. That seriously looks like heaven on a plate!
I too love having help in the kitchen - although it does mean more fighting over who licks the bowl out!