Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

If you love brownies and you love cheesecake, get ready to meet your new obsession! These Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars are rich, fudgy, and packed with creamy cheesecake goodness — all in one bite.
Perfect for parties, afternoon treats, or whenever you’re craving something a little extra special.

A luscious layer of chocolate brownie topped with a silky cheesecake swirl — this easy recipe feels super fancy but is surprisingly simple to whip up. And honestly, it’s impossible to eat just one square!

Whether you’re a die-hard chocolate fan or just need a show-stopping dessert that everyone will rave about, these Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars are pure magic.

Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars Overview

Think of these bars like the ultimate mashup: the richness of a decadent brownie married with the light, creamy texture of cheesecake.
It’s a one-pan, two-layered dessert that gives you the best of both worlds.

• Brownie base: Fudgy, dense, and deeply chocolatey.
• Cheesecake layer: Smooth, creamy, slightly tangy — the perfect contrast.
• Baked together: The cheesecake sinks slightly into the brownie, creating gorgeous marbled bites.

You’ll get a beautiful crackly brownie top with a creamy cheesecake ripple that’s absolutely irresistible!

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Bake Time: 40–45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling)

Servings:

• Makes about 16 bars (depending on how big you cut them)

Difficulty:

• Beginner-friendly with bakery-quality results!
• Requires careful layering for the best marble effect.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 8×8 inch square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Two medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars

For the Brownie Layer:

• 170g (6 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
• 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter
• 30g (¼ cup) dutch process cocoa powder or unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 100g (½ cup) caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 50g (¼ cup) light or dark brown sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 65g (½ cup) all-purpose flour

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 225g (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 50g (¼ cup) caster sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

How to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
• Lightly grease the parchment paper with butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

1. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter.
2. Microwave in short bursts (20–30 seconds), stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
   (Alternatively, melt over a double boiler.)
3. Whisk in the cocoa powder while the mixture is still warm until silky and glossy.
4. Add the caster sugar and brown sugar. Whisk to combine.
5. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
6. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
7. Finally, fold in the all-purpose flour using a spatula. Mix just until no streaks of flour remain — do not overmix.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a separate medium bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add the caster sugar and beat until incorporated.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Pour about ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
2. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
3. Spoon the cheesecake batter evenly over the brownie batter. Use a spatula to gently spread it without mixing too much.
4. Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top in small spoonfuls.
5. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect.
   (Don’t over-swirl or the layers will completely blend.)

Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• The center may jiggle slightly because of the cheesecake — that’s okay! It will firm up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool and Chill

• Let the bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature.
• Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing.
  (Chilling helps set the cheesecake layer and makes slicing cleaner.)

Serving Tip:
Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat squares!

Tips & Tricks for Success

• Use good quality chocolate:
  Since chocolate is the star, high-quality dark chocolate will make a big difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t overmix the batters:
  For tender brownies and creamy cheesecake, stir just until combined.
• Swirl gently:
  A few figure-eights with a knife are enough for beautiful marbling without blending the layers too much.
• Chill before slicing:
  It’s tempting to dig in early, but chilling helps the cheesecake layer firm up, making cleaner slices and better texture.
• Clean your knife between cuts:
  For perfect, bakery-style brownie bars, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between each slice.

Recipe Variations

Add Chocolate Chips

• Stir ½ cup semisweet or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra melty pockets of chocolate.

Raspberry Swirl

• Add dollops of raspberry jam on top of the cheesecake layer before swirling for a fruity twist.

Oreo Cheesecake Brownie Bars

• Mix crushed Oreos into the cheesecake batter for cookies-and-cream goodness.

Peanut Butter Brownies

• Swirl a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter for a rich peanut butter-chocolate combo.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Two favorites in one: You don’t have to choose between brownies and cheesecake — you get both in every delicious bite!
• Perfect texture: The fudgy, rich brownie paired with the light, creamy cheesecake makes every square taste like a dream.
• Impressive but easy: It looks bakery-worthy with its gorgeous marble swirls, but it’s simple enough for beginner bakers to pull off.
• Flexible for flavors: You can add chocolate chips, raspberry jam, Oreos, or peanut butter to customize it however you like.
• Make-ahead friendly: These bars are even better after chilling, making them a great dessert to prep a day in advance for parties or gatherings.

Nutrition Information (Per Bar, Approximate)

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 140mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Vitamin A: 540 IU
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 2mg

(Values will vary slightly based on exact ingredients and brands used.)

Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars FAQs

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use your favorite boxed brownie mix for the base. Just prepare it according to package instructions, but follow this recipe for the cheesecake layer and assembly.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges should look set and slightly pull away from the pan. The center may still jiggle a little because of the cheesecake layer — that’s normal! A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! After chilling and slicing, wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
To serve, just thaw them in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 1–2 hours.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together!

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cheesecake Brownie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich, fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake. With their dreamy texture, decadent flavor, and stunning swirled top, they’re guaranteed to impress every time you serve them.

Whether you bake them for a party, a cozy weekend, or just because you’re craving chocolate, one thing’s for sure: you’ll be making these bars again and again.

Happy baking — and even happier eating!