Description
Rich and indulgent brownie bottom cheesecake bars featuring a dense, fudgy chocolate base topped with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer for the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert.
Ingredients
1 box (18 oz) brownie mix (or homemade equivalent)
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted (if making homemade brownies)
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
2 large eggs (for cheesecake layer)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cheesecake layer)
1 pinch salt (for cheesecake layer)
2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
3 tablespoons melted chocolate or 1/4 cup reserved brownie batter (optional swirl)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare brownie batter according to box instructions or mix homemade ingredients until smooth. Reserve about 1/4 cup batter for swirling if desired.
- Spread brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract, flour, salt, and sour cream if using.
- Pour cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
- Dollop reserved brownie batter or melted chocolate on top and swirl gently with a toothpick.
- Bake for 38–42 minutes, until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Notes
Chilling helps the bars slice cleanly.
Do not overbake to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth texture.
Bars taste best chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
