Brownie Cheesecake Bars

If you’re looking for a dessert that wows everyone without spending hours in the kitchen, these Brownie Cheesecake Bars are your answer! This recipe brings together the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the creamy, dreamy texture of cheesecake. It’s like having two desserts in one delightful bite! Whether you’re hosting friends, celebrating a birthday, or just want a sweet treat on a busy weeknight, these bars are sure to impress.

What makes these Brownie Cheesecake Bars truly special is their layered decadence. The brownie base is soft and chewy, while the cheesecake layer adds creamy richness. Topped with an Oreo-studded chocolate ganache, each bar is a little piece of heaven. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll whip these up in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves brownies and cheesecake – this dessert is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! You can make these bars ahead of time and store them for later.
• Impressive Presentation: The layers and toppings make this dessert look fancy enough for any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brownie Cheesecake Bars come together with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have at home. Here’s what you need:

For the Brownie Base

• 1 box brownie mix (for 9×13 pan)
• 22 Oreos (divided)

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 Tablespoons sour cream

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Variations

One of the best things about these Brownie Cheesecake Bars is how flexible they are! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations:

• Add More Cookies: Crumble extra Oreos on top for an even more indulgent treat!
• Go Nutty: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie layer for an extra crunch.
• Fruit Twist: Swirl in some raspberry or strawberry puree into the cheesecake layer for a fruity flavor burst.
• Change the Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate chips for a different taste.

How to Make Brownie Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly. This step ensures that your delicious bars won’t stick when it’s time to cut them into squares.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer

In a mixing bowl, prepare your brownie batter according to the package instructions using your brownie mix. Once it’s smooth and ready, pour half of it into your prepared baking dish. This will be the base layer.

Step 3: Add Oreos

Take about 10 Oreos and crush them into smaller pieces—no need for perfection here; some chunks add character! Sprinkle those over the brownie base. Now pour the remaining brownie batter on top, covering those tasty cookie bits.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. It’s important to mix well so there are no lumps—this will make your cheesecake layer velvety!

Step 5: Layer It Up

Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the dish. Don’t worry if it mixes slightly; that just gives it a beautiful marbled effect!

Step 6: Bake

Pop your dish in the oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes or until set. Keep an eye on it; you want that perfect balance between firm edges and a soft center.

Step 7: Make the Ganache Topping

While those bars are baking away, heat up heavy whipping cream in a small saucepan until it’s steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips until melted and glossy.

Step 8: Finish It Off

Once your bars are out of the oven and cooled slightly, pour that luscious ganache over top. Finally, sprinkle crushed Oreos on top for that extra crunch!

Step 9: Chill & Serve

Let everything cool completely before cutting into squares. Chilling them in the fridge helps set everything perfectly! Then serve up these irresistible Brownie Cheesecake Bars at your next gathering or enjoy them all by yourself—no judgment here!

Pro Tips for Making Brownie Cheesecake Bars

Making the perfect Brownie Cheesecake Bars is all about the little details that can elevate your dessert. Here are some tips to ensure your bars turn out amazing!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ingredients like cream cheese and eggs blend more smoothly when they are at room temperature, leading to a creamier cheesecake layer.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the cheesecake filling, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can introduce too much air, which might cause cracks in the cheesecake once baked.

• Cool completely before cutting: Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least an hour and then refrigerate for a few hours. This helps the layers set properly, making it easier to cut clean squares.

• Line your pan with parchment paper: This simple step makes removing the bars from the pan much easier and prevents sticking, resulting in perfect slices every time.

• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to get creative! Adding fresh berries or drizzling extra chocolate ganache on top can make your dessert even more irresistible.

How to Serve Brownie Cheesecake Bars

These Brownie Cheesecake Bars not only taste fantastic but also look stunning when served! Here are some delightful ideas for presenting this layered treat.

Garnishes

• Fresh mint leaves: A sprinkle of fresh mint adds a pop of color and a refreshing flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich brownie and cheesecake layers.
• Chocolate shavings: Grate some dark chocolate on top for an elegant touch that enhances the chocolatey goodness of these bars.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the richness of the bars, providing a delightful contrast in temperatures.
• Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of your dessert while adding vibrant color.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is light and fluffy and adds a tropical twist that works perfectly with chocolate desserts.
• Coffee or tea: Serving these bars with a cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances their decadent flavor and provides a warm drink option that balances out the sweetness.

Enjoy serving these delicious Brownie Cheesecake Bars at your next gathering! They are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Brownie Cheesecake Bars are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make them ahead of time, store them properly, and enjoy their rich flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them where they will last about a week.
• If you notice the top layer losing its shine, simply cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.

Freezing

• Cut the brownie cheesecake bars into individual servings before freezing for easy access.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label the container with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy your Brownie Cheesecake Bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the bars on a baking sheet and cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that may help you as you prepare these delightful treats!

Can I make Brownie Cheesecake Bars without cream cheese?

While cream cheese is essential for the cheesecake layer’s creamy texture, you could experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives if needed.

How do I store my Brownie Cheesecake Bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigeration extends their life to about a week.

Can I use a different type of cookie instead of Oreos?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute Oreos with any chocolate sandwich cookies or your favorite cookie variety for a unique twist on these Brownie Cheesecake Bars.

What should I serve with Brownie Cheesecake Bars?

These bars are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a scoop of vegan ice cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Brownie Cheesecake Bars as much as I do! They bring together the best of both worlds—rich brownies and creamy cheesecake—in each delicious bite. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them alone, these bars are sure to impress. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your creations!