There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake. Brownie Cheesecake Bars bring these two favorites together in a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re preparing for a gathering, satisfying a late-night sweet tooth, or surprising your family, this recipe for brownie cheesecake bars will quickly become a go-to.
These bars have a fudgy brownie base, topped with a luscious cheesecake layer, and swirled together for a marbled effect. Not only are they visually appealing, but they’re also bursting with flavor and texture. Let’s dive into how you can make these irresistible fudgy cheesecake brownies at home.
Why You’ll Love These Brownie Cheesecake Bars
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry and fridge.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy treat at home.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or add your own twist.
- Delicious Contrast: The rich chocolatey base and creamy cheesecake topping complement each other beautifully.
Ingredients for Brownie Cheesecake Bars
Here’s what you’ll need to create these decadent bars:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Brownie Cheesecake Bars
Follow these simple steps to whip up your own cheesecake brownies:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing for the best fudgy texture.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Beat cream cheese and sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Bars
Pour 2/3 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, smoothing gently.
Drop dollops of the remaining brownie batter over the top. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment overhang.
6. Slice and Serve
Cut into squares or rectangles, and enjoy your fudgy cheesecake brownies!
Tips for Perfect Brownie Cheesecake Bars
- Don’t Overbake: To keep the brownie layer fudgy, take the bars out when a toothpick has a few moist crumbs.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Swirling Tip: Use light, quick motions with a knife or skewer to achieve a pretty marbled effect.
Variations to Try
These brownie cheesecake bars are delicious as-is, but you can easily tweak the recipe for variety:
- Brownie Cheesecake Bites: Use a muffin tin for individual servings.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter.
- Fruity Swirl: Spread raspberry or strawberry jam between the brownie and cheesecake layers.
- Extra Chocolatey: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top before baking.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
Make Ahead: Prepare a day in advance and refrigerate. They’re even better the next day.
Storage: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Serving: For the best taste, bring the bars to room temperature before serving.
FAQs for Brownie Cheesecake Bars
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Avoid overmixing and overbaking. The combination of melted butter and the right baking time ensures the perfect texture.
Yes! Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Related Recipes to Try
Looking for more brownie cheesecake inspiration? Check out these crowd-pleasing recipes:
The Best Fudgy Homemade Brownies
Peanut Butter Frosted Brownies
Cherry Brownie Crumble
Let’s Make This Dessert Together
Now it’s your turn to bake these heavenly Brownie Cheesecake Bars! Share your creations on social media and tag us we’d love to see how they turn out. Pin this recipe for later, and don’t forget to follow for more easy, delicious desserts your family will love.
PrintBrownie Cheesecake Bars: A Heavenly Dessert You’ll Love
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Decadent Brownie Cheesecake Bars with a fudgy brownie base and creamy cheesecake topping. Perfect for parties, family treats, or indulging yourself.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just incorporated.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until creamy.
- Spread 2/3 of the brownie batter into the pan. Spoon the cheesecake mixture on top, smoothing evenly. Add dollops of the remaining brownie batter and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool completely, slice into squares, and serve.
Notes
- Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add nuts, jam, or chocolate chips for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Brownie Cheesecake Bars, cheesecake brownies, fudgy cheesecake brownies, brownie cheesecake recipe, dessert bars
Can you use regular brownie mix for the brownies?