Description
These Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars combine three irresistible layers: a fudgy brownie base, a creamy cheesecake center, and a soft cookie dough topping studded with mini chocolate chips. Baked to perfection and chilled for the perfect texture, these bars offer a decadent dessert experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Make Brownie Layer: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions. Spread the batter evenly in the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven. The brownie will be underbaked at this stage, which is desired for layering.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Pour this cheesecake batter evenly over the partially baked brownie layer.
- Make Cookie Dough Layer: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well. Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and mini chocolate chips to form a cookie dough.
- Assemble Cookie Dough Topping: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough over the cheesecake layer, then gently spread or pat down the dough with your fingers to cover evenly.
- Bake Final Assembly: Bake the entire layered dessert for 30–35 minutes, or until the cookie dough top is golden brown and the center is just set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Chill and Serve: Once cooled, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set properly before slicing into squares and serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should be just set to keep the bars moist and fudgy.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift out the bars from the pan after chilling.
- For best results, chill at least 2 hours to allow layers to firm up for neat slicing.
- The cookie dough layer is safe to eat after baking since it contains an egg and is fully baked on top.
