Red Velvet Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
There’s nothing quite like indulging in the heavenly combination of red velvet and cheesecake. That’s why our focus today is on a delightful Red Velvet Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars recipe that brings together the best of these beloved dessert flavors. Combining the rich, vibrant allure of red velvet with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, these bars are a must-try for any dessert lover.
Growing up, baking was a cherished tradition in our family. My grandmother would always whip up her famous cheesecake for special occasions, while my mother had a knack for creating the perfect batch of gooey chocolate chip cookies. I wanted to honor both by combining these family favorites into one incredible dessert. It’s been a hit ever since the first bite and brings back fond memories of cozy afternoons spent baking together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers, yet yields an impressively gourmet result. The rich red velvet base adds a visually stunning component, while the cheesecake swirled throughout adds a creamy texture that perfectly complements the crunch of chocolate chips. These bars are perfect for parties, special occasions, or simply for an indulgent treat at home.
Ingredients Notes
To make your bars, you’ll need basic pantry items like flour, sugar, and cocoa powder. For the best results, use high-quality cream cheese and chocolate chips. While traditional recipes call for red food coloring, beet powder makes for a natural alternative without affecting taste.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This will make handling the bars much easier after baking.
Step 2
Prepare the red velvet cookie base by creaming together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and food coloring, then blend in dry ingredients until combined. Spread the dough evenly in your prepared pan.
Step 3
For the cheesecake layer, beat together cream cheese, sugar, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just incorporated. Pour over the cookie dough base.
Step 4
Gently press chocolate chips into the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick to swirl slightly, creating an enticing marbled effect.
Step 5
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle. Cool completely in the pan before lifting and cutting into bars.
Storage Options
Keep the bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week. For longer storage, individually wrap bars and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Variations & Substitutions
For dietary needs, substitute gluten-free flour for the regular flour. Experiment with mixing white chocolate chips or nuts for a twist on texture and flavor. Vegan cream cheese and flax eggs work well for a plant-based alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance. Just ensure they are well covered and stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
What if I don’t have red food coloring? No problem! You can substitute beet powder or simply omit the coloring. The flavor will still be delightful, though the color won’t be as vibrant.
How do I know when the bars are done? Look for the edges to be set, while the center still exhibits a slight jiggle. The bars will continue to firm as they cool, ensuring the perfect texture once sliced.
Remember it later
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Red Velvet Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 eggs large
- 0.25 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1.5 cups chocolate chips
- 1 tsp red food coloring
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mix together flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder.
- In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time.
- Mix in vanilla and red food coloring until well combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and spread half of the mixture in the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and spread over the chocolate chip layer.
- Top with remaining red velvet mixture and spread evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
