Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

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On chilly evenings when the couch calls and the blankets pile high, there’s nothing quite like a dessert that wraps you in warmth. These Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars bring the indulgence of a rich cup of cocoa and the creamy delight of cheesecake into one irresistibly comforting bite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety chocolate cheesecake filling, and a pillowy marshmallow topping, this dessert truly tastes like a winter hug.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, a holiday gathering, or just want a sweet treat to keep around the house, these bars are a crowd-pleaser. The contrast of textures and the nostalgic cocoa flavor make them a standout addition to your winter recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These bars are all about layers of joy. You’ll get the crunchy, slightly salty base of graham crackers, followed by a decadent chocolate cheesecake layer infused with hot cocoa mix and a final topping of gooey marshmallow fluff that gets perfectly toasted. They’re easy to make ahead, travel well for sharing, and deliver everything you love about hot chocolate in a dessert bar form.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

The secret to getting that deep, cozy flavor is using a combination of cream cheese, real melted chocolate, and your favorite hot cocoa mix. You can go with semi-sweet or dark chocolate depending on how rich you want your cheesecake layer. If you want a milkier taste, milk chocolate works too—just keep in mind the sweetness level will go up a notch.

Ingredients for the Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

To make these rich and creamy bars, you’ll need just a few pantry and fridge staples that come together into magic.

Graham crackers bring the perfect base crunch and that classic cheesecake flavor balance.

Unsalted butter holds your crust together and adds richness.

Cream cheese is the heart of the cheesecake layer, bringing creamy tang.

Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake just enough.

Eggs help bind the cheesecake and make it luxuriously smooth.

Hot cocoa mix gives the bars their signature cozy flavor.

Melted chocolate deepens the cocoa taste and adds richness.

Vanilla extract brings out all the dessert’s flavors.

Marshmallow fluff or mini marshmallows complete the hot chocolate effect with a gooey, toasted topping.

How To Make the Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment. Mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the texture feels like wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of your pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, hot cocoa mix, melted chocolate, and vanilla. Beat until everything is fully incorporated and creamy. Pour this over the baked crust and smooth the top.

Step 3: Bake the Bars

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggly. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for clean slicing.

Step 4: Top with Marshmallow

Spread a generous layer of marshmallow fluff over the chilled bars or add mini marshmallows and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown. Watch closely—they toast fast!

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Cut into bars using a hot knife for clean edges. Serve chilled or let them come to room temp for an extra creamy bite.

Serving and Storing These Cheesecake Bars

These cozy bars are a treat best shared. The recipe makes about 12 to 16 servings depending on your slicing size, perfect for parties, family nights, or simply keeping a stash in your fridge.

They store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them (without the marshmallow layer) for up to a month and add the topping fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What to Serve With Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars?

Hot Chocolate with a Twist

Double the hot chocolate experience by serving these bars with Mexican hot chocolate or a peppermint mocha.

Fresh Berries

Add some brightness with a bowl of fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds another creamy element.

Espresso or Coffee

Balance the sweetness with a strong espresso or black coffee.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm bars and cold vanilla ice cream? Yes, please.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle warm salted caramel on top for a dreamy finish.

Crushed Candy Canes

For the holidays, sprinkle crushed peppermint over the top.

Chocolate Shavings

Garnish with dark chocolate curls to fancy things up.

Want More Cheesecake Dessert Ideas?

If these Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars warmed your heart, you might also love these other creamy, dreamy dessert options:

• Try the Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries for a no-bake fruity twist.
• These Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes are perfect for brunch or gifting.
• The Ooey Gooey Bars will satisfy any melt-in-your-mouth craving.
• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons add tropical sweetness to your tray.
• Don’t miss the rich layers in this Delicious Lemon Cake to Die For.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add peppermint? Did you try it with dark chocolate? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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