Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Deliciously rich Brownie Cheesecake Bars featuring a fudgy brownie base layered with creamy cheesecake, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache and crunchy Oreo pieces. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a decadent treat combining chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and a hint of cookie crunch.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Layer
- 1 box brownie mix (for 9x13 pan)
- 11 Oreos, chopped (half of 22 Oreos total)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 11 Oreos, chopped (remaining half)
Ganache Topping
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix box. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix and Bake Brownie Layer: Prepare the brownie batter according to package directions. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the chopped Oreos over the batter and gently press them in. Bake just until the top is set but still soft, as this layer will bake more later with the cheesecake topping.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: While the brownie is cooling slightly, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth using a hand or stand mixer. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Stir in the sour cream until the filling becomes creamy and free of lumps.
- Add Cheesecake Layer and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the partially baked brownie base and spread it evenly with a spatula. Return to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the center has a slight jiggle but is mostly set.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare Ganache: In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, gently heat the chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream together until warm. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the ganache evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the remaining chopped Oreos over the ganache and press lightly to help them adhere. Chill the bars for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
Notes
- For easier slicing, allow the bars to chill overnight to fully set the cheesecake and ganache layers.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake mixture.
- If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips for the ganache.
- To make cleanup easier, line the baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of bars.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier cheesecake layer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 2x2 inch piece)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: brownie cheesecake bars, chocolate dessert bars, Oreo cheesecake bars, layered dessert, chocolate ganache bars