Indulge in the irresistible decadence of Ho Ho Bars, a multi-layered dessert that combines rich chocolate, velvety cream cheese filling, and a luscious ganache topping. Perfect for parties or satisfying your sweet tooth, these bars start with a fudgy cocoa brownie base, which is then topped with a creamy, tangy layer of whipped cream cheese and powdered sugar. Finally, they are crowned with a glossy semisweet chocolate ganache that forms a perfectly smooth and satisfying finish. With just 30 minutes of prep time, these delightfully indulgent treats are easy to make yet deliver bakery-quality results. Chill each layer for the perfect texture, then slice into squares for a truly show-stopping dessert thatβs sure to be a hit at any gathering. Delicious, eye-catching, and ideal for chocolate lovers, Ho Ho Bars are destined to be your next favorite dessert recipe.
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhangs for easy removal.
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of butter over low heat. Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar and 5 tablespoons of cocoa powder until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Whisk in the eggs one at a time, ensuring they are incorporated after each addition.
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 0.5 teaspoons of salt to the mixture, stirring until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
While the base cools, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, beat 2 cups of powdered sugar, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled chocolate base. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
For the ganache topping, heat 3 tablespoons of heavy cream and 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm (do not boil).
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1.5 cups of semisweet chocolate chips until smooth and glossy.
Pour the ganache over the chilled cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour or until the ganache is set.
Once set, use the parchment overhangs to lift the bars from the pan. Cut into 16 squares and serve.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Calories |
6267 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 345.3 g | 443% | |
| Saturated Fat | 203.6 g | 1018% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1382 mg | 461% | |
| Sodium | 2242 mg | 98% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 779.3 g | 283% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.0 g | 132% | |
| Total Sugars | 637.4 g | ||
| Protein | 82.6 g | 165% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.8 mcg | 24% | |
| Calcium | 664 mg | 51% | |
| Iron | 26.4 mg | 147% | |
| Potassium | 2298 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.