Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Chocolate Cream Pie Bars, featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie crust layered with a luscious chocolate cream filling and topped with fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for any dessert occasion, these bars combine smooth chocolate ganache and velvety cream cheese into a decadent treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (approximately 20 cookies, filling removed)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Chocolate Cream Filling
- 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter
- 6 ounces full fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup (35 g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted (Hershey’s Special Dark recommended)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars once baked.
- Make the Cookie Crust: Pulse about 20 Oreo cookies (with filling removed) in a food processor until finely ground to make approximately 2 cups of crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl, add the melted butter, and stir until all crumbs are coated. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and corners of the prepared pan using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Using a double boiler method, melt the semi-sweet chocolate and butter over medium-low heat. Place a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water and stir frequently until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool for 10 minutes, avoiding condensation dripping into the chocolate mixture.
- Whip the Cream for Filling: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 cup of cold heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until firm peaks form. Chill in the refrigerator until needed.
- Prepare Chocolate Cream Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth using a hand mixer, about 1 minute. Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds to combine.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Remove the whipped cream from the refrigerator and gently fold half into the chocolate cream mixture using a spatula. Add the remaining whipped cream and fold gently until no white streaks remain, maintaining the light texture.
- Assemble the Pie Bars: Spread the chocolate cream filling evenly over the cooled cookie crust, pressing into the corners and leveling the top with an offset spatula.
- Chill the Bars: Refrigerate the assembled bars for at least 3 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Prepare the Whipped Topping: Before serving, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and firm peaks form.
- Add the Whipped Cream Topping: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled chocolate filling using an offset spatula or spoon. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or curls.
- Slice and Serve: For clean slices, chill the bars for an additional 30 minutes before cutting. Use a sharp knife, cleansing and drying it between cuts, to slice into 16 squares. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Removing the Oreo filling before pulsing ensures a better cookie crust texture.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the creamiest, richest filling.
- Be careful to avoid water dripping into the chocolate mixture when melting it using the double boiler to prevent seizing.
- Folding whipped cream gently preserves the light and airy texture of the filling.
- Allow sufficient chilling time for bars to set properly and for easier slicing.
- Cleaning the knife between cuts helps maintain clean edges for presentation.
- Optional toppings like chocolate shavings add an elegant finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American