Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Feel free to substitute the chocolate graham cracker crumbs with regular graham crackers for a slightly different flavor profile. If you’re out of sour cream, Greek yogurt makes a great alternative.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This step always reminds me of helping my abuela mix her creams with unwavering patience.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted chocolate chips and heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Drizzle this chocolate mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the chocolate into the cream cheese for a marbled effect. This step is pure kitchen creativity, an homage to my abuela’s artistic flair in cooking.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang, cut into squares, and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International