Cheesecake Brownie Bars

I can't think of two better desserts than cheesecake and brownies. Can you? These Cheesecake Brownie Bars bring together the best of two worlds. They're topped  off with a thick, rich chocolate layer and it almost like biting into a cheesecake candy bar.

Brownies are a beloved dessert worldwide, owing their popularity to their rich chocolate flavor, versatility, and ease of preparation.

Their dense, fudgy texture creates a satisfying mouthfeel, while their simplicity allows for endless customization with nuts, frostings, or mix-ins.

Brownies can be whipped up quickly with few ingredients, making them an ideal choice for both amateur bakers and experienced pastry chefs.

Whether served at casual get-togethers or upscale events, brownies are a timeless dessert that appeals to the chocolate lover in everyone.

Check out my all time favorite Nutella Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies and my new Crock Pot Triple Chocolate Cherry Cake recipe.

Love chocolate and cherries. Then you must try my Black Forest Brownie Bars!

This Cheesecake Brownie Recipe is like eating a brownie that has been topped with cheesecake and frosted with a thick chocolate frosting.

Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Indulge in the heavenly fusion of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake with our delicious Cheesecake Brownie Bars recipe.

Perfect for dessert aficionados and baking beginners alike, these sweet treats are sure to impress at your next gathering.

Whether you prefer the traditional flavors or the thrill of customizing with your favorite toppings, this recipe is a must-try.

Let's embark on this culinary adventure and bring these decadent bars to life – because nothing says 'indulgence' quite like a cheesecake brownie bar.

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon flour

Brownie Batter Ingredients

• ¾ cup flour
• ⅓ cup high quality cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons  unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 11.5 oz bag chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 and prepare an 8 x 8 baking pan by layering parchment or aluminum foil in the bottom of the baking dish, leaving about an inch overhang.

To Make the Cheesecake Brownie Bars Filling

1. In a bowl cream the cream cheese, butter, vanilla, sugar and 1 tablespoon of flour.
2. Add the egg and beat until combined well, about 2 minutes.
3. Set aside and make the brownie batter.

To Make the Cheesecake Brownie Bars Batter

1. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt into another bowl.
2. In a separate medium bowl cream the butter, sugar and vanilla.
3. Add one egg at a time beating well and scraping bowl in between.
4. Fold into the dry ingredients.
5. Fold ½ cup of chocolate chips into the mixture.
6. Spread brownie batter into the bottom of the baking pan.
7. Spread cheesecake layer over brownie batter.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

To Make the Cheesecake Brownie Bars Topping

1. Remove pan from oven and immediately spread the remaining chocolate chips over the hot cheesecake layer.
2. Wait 10 minutes and using a spatula spread the melted chocolate chips over the top.
3. Cool and allow melted chocolate chips to firm up before cutting.

Bake It!

• Make them Mini: You can also make these delicious treats in mini form by using a mini muffin tin. This will create bite-sized treats perfect for parties or small gatherings. Keep in mind that the baking time will likely be shorter for mini bars, so be sure to keep a close eye on them in the oven.
• Experiment with Toppings: While cheesecake brownie bars are delicious on their own, you can also experiment with different toppings to add even more flavor and texture. Try adding a drizzle of caramel or hot fudge sauce, crushed nuts, or fresh fruit.
• Alternate Flavors: Don't feel limited to the traditional flavors of chocolate and cream cheese. Feel free to experiment with other flavor combinations. For instance, adding a bit of mint extract to the brownie batter or swirling raspberry jam into the cheesecake topping can create a unique and delightful twist.

Pro Baking Tips

• Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your cheesecake brownie bars depends greatly on the quality of the ingredients you use. Invest in high-quality chocolate, cream cheese, and vanilla extract for the best results.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This will ensure a smoother and creamier cheesecake mixture.
• Don't Overmix: When you're combining your ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can incorporate too much air into the batter, which can cause the bars to crack during baking.
• Bake in a Water Bath: Optional-Baking your cheesecake brownie bars in a water bath can help keep them moist and prevent cracking. Just place your baking dish in a larger pan and fill the larger pan with hot water before placing it in the oven.
• Let It Cool Slowly: Don't rush the cooling process. After baking, let your cheesecake brownie bars cool slowly on the counter. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to cool completely. This slow cooling process will also help prevent cracking.
• Cutting Bars: To get clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut. You can also heat the knife under hot water, dry it off, and then make the cut for even cleaner lines.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if your first batch isn't perfect. Happy baking!

More Brownie Recipes

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