Description
Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine a fudgy chocolate brownie base with a smooth, creamy cheesecake swirl for an indulgent, crowd-pleasing dessert. Perfectly balancing rich chocolate flavors and tangy cheesecake, these bars are ideal for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want a versatile and irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (substitute almond or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened (use vegan cream cheese for vegan option)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter and semisweet chocolate chips together until smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually combine the melted chocolate mixture with the eggs, then gently fold in the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and flour until just combined to create the fudgy brownie base.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is lump-free and perfect for swirling.
- Layering and Swirling: Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking dish. Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer. Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly. Allow to cool completely before slicing to ensure the layers hold together beautifully.
Notes
- Use quality chocolate for richer flavor.
- Gently fold ingredients to avoid tough texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even baking.
- Check doneness carefully; center should be slightly soft.
- An oven thermometer helps maintain accurate baking temperature.
- Substitute flours to make gluten-free versions.
- Use plant-based substitutes and flax eggs for a vegan-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16th of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Cheesecake Brownie Bars, Fudgy Brownies, Cream Cheese Swirl, Dessert Bars, Chocolate Bars, Gluten-Free Dessert, Vegan Dessert Option