Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars – Creamy, Gooey, and Totally Irresistible

Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars are the ultimate dessert fusion—creamy cheesecake layered between soft, golden cookie dough. Every bite is a rich, satisfying combination of two classic favorites, made with lighter ingredients so you can indulge smartly. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just need a cozy treat, these bars hit all the right notes of decadence and balance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Desserts in One – The dreamy combo of cheesecake and cookie dough makes these bars unforgettable.
Creamy & Chewy – A luscious middle layer of cheesecake is hugged by chewy cookie dough on both sides.
Made Lighter – With better-for-you swaps, this dessert feels indulgent without the heaviness.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Bake, chill, and enjoy all week long (if they last that long!).

Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough Layer:

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup light butter or margarine, softened
  • ¼ cup brown sugar substitute (or light brown sugar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 oz light cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 egg
  • ⅓ cup powdered sweetener (or regular powdered sugar)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.

2. Make the Cookie Dough
In a bowl, beat together butter, sweetener, vanilla, and applesauce until smooth. Mix in almond flour and stir until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips. Divide dough in half.

3. Press Bottom Layer
Press half the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside the remaining dough for the top.

4. Mix the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, egg, sweetener, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined.

5. Assemble the Bars
Pour cheesecake mixture over the bottom cookie dough layer. Crumble the remaining dough over the top in chunks.

6. Bake and Chill
Bake for 25–28 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is mostly set. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Nutritional Information (Per Bar)

Calories: 155
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

Chill Time is Key – Letting the bars cool and set in the fridge enhances both texture and flavor.
Mini Chips Work Best – They distribute better in the dough without overpowering each bite.
Use a Sharp Knife – Clean cuts make for prettier servings, especially after chilling.

Why This Recipe Works

By using almond flour, light cream cheese, and Greek yogurt, these bars strike a perfect balance between indulgent and mindful. You still get that rich cookie dough flavor and silky cheesecake center, but in a way that feels lighter and more satisfying.

Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars offer everything you crave in a dessert: creamy, chewy, sweet, and just a little bit indulgent. With simple ingredients and no fancy techniques, this dessert delivers big flavor in a smart, feel-good package.

Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars – Creamy, Gooey, and Totally Irresistible

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calories

155

kcal

These creamy, chewy Cheesecake Cookie Dough Bars combine two classic treats in one lightened-up dessert. A layer of rich cheesecake is sandwiched between soft, chocolate-studded cookie dough for a bite that’s pure comfort and satisfaction.

Ingredients

  • For the Cookie Dough Layer:

  • 1 cup almond flour

  • ¼ cup light butter or margarine, softened

  • ¼ cup brown sugar substitute (or light brown sugar)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened applesauce

  • ¼ cup mini chocolate chips

  • For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 oz light cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

  • 1 egg

  • ⅓ cup powdered sweetener (or regular powdered sugar)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prepare Pan
    Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
  • Make the Cookie Dough
    In a bowl, beat together butter, sweetener, vanilla, and applesauce until smooth. Mix in almond flour and stir until a dough forms. Fold in chocolate chips. Divide dough in half.
  • Press Bottom Layer
    Press half the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Set aside the remaining dough for the top.
  • Mix the Cheesecake Layer
    In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add Greek yogurt, egg, sweetener, and vanilla. Mix until creamy and well combined.
  • Assemble the Bars
    Pour cheesecake mixture over the bottom cookie dough layer. Crumble the remaining dough over the top in chunks.
  • Bake and Chill
    Bake for 25–28 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is mostly set. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Notes

  • Chill Time is Key – Letting the bars cool and set in the fridge enhances both texture and flavor.
    Mini Chips Work Best – They distribute better in the dough without overpowering each bite.
    Use a Sharp Knife – Clean cuts make for prettier servings, especially after chilling.

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