Decadent Chocolate Cream Pie Bars 🍫
These decadent chocolate cream pie bars feature a crispy chocolate cookie crust, a rich and airy chocolate cream filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. Perfect for any chocolate lover!
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Parchment Paper
- Food Processor
- Stand Mixer
- Heat-safe bowl
- Spatula
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
Crispy Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos, filling removed
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Rich Chocolate Cream Filling
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream divided (1 cup for filling, 1 cup for topping)
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar divided (2 tbsp for filling whipped cream, 2 tbsp for topping whipped cream)
- 5 ounces high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for melting with chocolate)
- 6 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 1.5 cups sifted powdered sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
- 1/3 cup sifted unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-process for deep flavor
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract divided (1.5 tsp for filling, 0.5 tsp for topping)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
For Garnish
- chocolate shavings or curls optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a comfortable 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides.
- Simply pulse about 20 chocolate sandwich cookies (with their filling removed) in a food processor until you have fine, even crumbs, roughly 2 cups worth.
- Transfer these delightful crumbs to a medium bowl, then add the melted butter. Stir gently with a fork until all the crumbs are perfectly coated.
- Press this buttery crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Use your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to get it nice and even.
- Bake for just 10 minutes to set the crust. Remove from the oven and let it cool a bit while you prepare the luscious filling.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot with about 2 inches of simmering water. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and the 5 ounces of chocolate chips to the bowl. Stir occasionally until everything is beautifully melted and smooth. Carefully remove the bowl and let the chocolate mixture cool for about 10 minutes.
- While the chocolate cools, grab a separate bowl. Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until lovely, firm peaks form. Pop this whipped cream into the refrigerator to keep it chilled.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, the remaining 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, cocoa powder, 1 ½ teaspoons of vanilla, and the salt. Beat with a hand mixer until it's wonderfully smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the cream cheese mixture. Mix on a low speed for about 30 seconds until just combined – try not to overmix!
- Now for the magic! Retrieve your chilled whipped cream. Gently fold half of it into the chocolate and cream cheese mixture using a large spatula. Once almost combined, add the rest of the whipped cream and continue to gently fold until no white streaks remain. This keeps the filling light and airy!
- Spoon this glorious chocolate filling over your cooled cookie crust. Use an offset spatula to spread it evenly into all the corners and level the top.
- Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or ideally, overnight. This step is crucial for perfect slicing!
- Just before you're ready to serve, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with the remaining 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon of vanilla until smooth and firm.
- Gently spread this fresh whipped cream evenly over the chilled chocolate layer. If you're feeling fancy, sprinkle with chocolate shavings or curls!
- For the neatest slices, chill the bars for another 30 minutes. Then, using a sharp knife, cut into squares. For extra clean cuts, wipe your knife with hot water and dry it between each slice. Serve these delightful bars cold!
Notes
These decadent chocolate cream pie bars are a rich and satisfying treat perfect for any chocolate lover! The combination of a crispy chocolate cookie crust, smooth and airy chocolate cream filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping makes for an unforgettable dessert.
Nutrition Information (per square, approximate):
Calories: 400
Total Carbs: 45g
Net Carbs: 40g
Fats: 30g
Protein: 5g
Calories: 400
Total Carbs: 45g
Net Carbs: 40g
Fats: 30g
Protein: 5g
