Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer for a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with simple ingredients, these bars deliver a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures, featuring a marbled swirl design and options for customization including nutty, berry, mocha, gluten-free, and vegan variations.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour used) - Adaptable to Vegan and Dairy-Free
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened (or vegan cream cheese for adaptation)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare the Brownie Base: Melt butter and combine it with sugar and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth and glossy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, beating well before gently folding in the flour until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips if using.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy and smooth. Add eggs, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into a parchment-lined baking pan, spreading evenly. Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base. Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer and gently spread or swirl to create a marbled pattern.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, until the cheesecake layer is set and edges begin pulling away from the pan. Avoid overbaking for gooey texture.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, then chill for a few hours or overnight for clean slicing. Lift bars out using the parchment overhang and cut into portions.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps and ensure smooth batter.
- Fold flour gently into the brownie batter to keep it tender and fudgy.
- Do not overbake; slight jiggle in the center is okay for gooey cheesecake.
- Line your pan with parchment paper featuring an overhang for easy removal.
- Chill bars before slicing to keep layers intact and slices clean.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cheesecake brownie bars, dessert bars, fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, gluten-free dessert, easy bake, chocolate dessert, chewy brownie, marbled cheesecake brownies