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Easy Black Velvet Spiderweb Cheesecake Bars Recipe

black velvet spiderweb cheesecake bars - featured image

These Black Velvet Spiderweb Cheesecake Bars are a show-stopping Halloween dessert that looks like it took hours but comes together with minimal effort. A dark, velvety chocolate crust is topped with a creamy cheesecake filling and finished with a stunning spiderweb design that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 25 wafers, crushed)
  • ¼ cup black cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sour cream (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon black cocoa powder (for topping)
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate wafer crumbs, black cocoa powder, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly distributed. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together when squeezed.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a measuring cup. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  5. Add ¾ cup granulated sugar and beat for another minute until well combined and fluffy.
  6. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until incorporated. Add vanilla extract, ¼ cup sour cream, and flour, then mix on low until just combined and smooth.
  7. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sour cream with 1 tablespoon sugar until smooth. In another small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon black cocoa powder with enough milk (1-2 tablespoons) to create a smooth, drizzle-able paste.
  9. Drop spoonfuls of the white sour cream mixture in a random pattern across the top of the cheesecake batter. Then drop smaller spoonfuls of the black cocoa paste in between the white spots. Using a toothpick or skewer, drag through the spots in a continuous circular motion, starting from the center and working outward. Wipe the toothpick clean between swirls for the cleanest web effect. Do about 4-5 rotations.
  10. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly puffed, but the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken.
  11. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake bars cool inside for 30 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature, about 1 hour.
  12. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. When ready to serve, use the parchment handles to lift the entire block out of the pan. Use a sharp knife (wiped clean between cuts) to slice into bars.

Notes

Black cocoa powder is essential for the dramatic dark color. Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. For clean cuts, dip your knife in hot water and dry it before each slice. The bars taste even better after chilling overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween dessert, cheesecake bars, spiderweb, black velvet, chocolate cheesecake, easy dessert, party dessert