Chocolate Cream Pie Bars Recipe
Delight in these luscious Chocolate Cream Pie Bars featuring a rich Oreo cookie crust topped with a smooth and velvety chocolate cream filling, finished with a fluffy whipped cream topping. Perfectly balanced layers create a decadent dessert ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes to overnight
- Yield: 9 to 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies, filling removed)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Chocolate Cream Filling
- 5 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 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
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for folding into filling)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to allow easy removal of the bars later. Set aside.
- Make the Cookie Crust: Pulse about 20 Oreo cookies without filling in a food processor until finely ground, yielding approximately 2 cups of crumbs. In a medium bowl, combine the crumbs and melted butter, stirring with a fork until all crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the corners of the prepared pan using your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and allow to cool while you prepare the filling.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot with about 2 inches of simmering water. Add butter and chocolate to the bowl and stir frequently until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes, taking care to avoid any water dripping into the chocolate mixture.
- Whip Cream for Filling: In a bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until firm peaks form. Refrigerate to keep chilled.
- Prepare Chocolate Cream Filling Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, sifted cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Using a hand mixer, mix until smooth and creamy, about 1 minute.
- Add Melted Chocolate: Slowly add the cooled chocolate and butter mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until well combined.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Remove the chilled whipped cream from the refrigerator. Gently fold half of it into the chocolate mixture using a large spatula. Before fully combining, add the remaining whipped cream and fold gently until no white streaks remain, maintaining a light and airy texture.
- Assemble Filling on Crust: Spread the chocolate cream filling evenly over the cooled cookie crust using an offset spatula, pressing gently into the corners and smoothing the top.
- Chill the Bars: Place the assembled bars in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight to set.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Before serving, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and firm peaks form.
- Top the Bars: Spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the chilled filling using an offset spatula or spoon. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant finish.
- Final Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for an additional 30 minutes for best results. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts, slice the bars into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Removing the filling from the Oreo cookies before pulsing ensures a better crust texture.
- Be careful to prevent water from dripping into the chocolate when melting it using the double boiler, as this can cause the chocolate to seize.
- Folding whipped cream gently keeps the filling light and airy; avoid over-mixing.
- Use an offset spatula for smooth spreading of filling and whipped cream layers.
- Chilling overnight improves flavor and texture for the best results.
- Cleaning the knife between slices prevents messy cuts and maintains neat bars.
- Chocolate shavings for garnish are optional but add a beautiful decorative touch.
Keywords: Chocolate cream pie bars, chocolate dessert bars, Oreo crust bars, no-bake chocolate filling, creamy chocolate pie