These rich and fudgy brownie cheesecake swirl bars combine a classic chocolate brownie base with a luscious vanilla cheesecake swirl. Perfect for bake sales, parties, or anytime you need a showstopping dessert!
Looking for the ultimate dessert mashup? These Brownie Cheesecake Swirl Bars are the best of both worlds: a rich, chocolatey brownie base swirled with creamy vanilla cheesecake. The result is a perfectly balanced treat that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting to friends, or simply treating yourself, these bars will have everyone asking for seconds.
🍰 Why You’ll Love These Brownie Cheesecake Swirl Bars
- Two desserts in one! – Fudgy brownies and luscious cheesecake combined.
- Beautiful swirl effect – with minimal effort
- Perfect texture – rich, moist, creamy and chocolatey
- Easy to customize – with flavors like raspberry, caramel, or peanut butter
- Great make-ahead dessert– that freezes beautifully!
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
- Semi-sweet chocolate: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that fudgy brownie texture.
- Granulated and brown sugar: A combo for perfect sweetness and moisture.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat for the creamiest cheesecake layer.
- Vanilla extract: Essential for both brownie and cheesecake components.
- Eggs: For structure and richness.
- All-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt: The backbone of the brownie base.
Tips for Perfect Brownie Cheesecake Swirl Bars
Use softened cream cheese: This helps your cheesecake swirl come out smooth and creamy without lumps.
Don’t overbake: The bars should have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove them from the oven. They’ll set up as they cool.
Swirl gently: Use a skewer or knife to make figure-eight motions. Over-swirling can muddy the layers.
Chill before slicing: For clean, sharp cuts, cool completely and chill the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing.
FAQ
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! Just expect a slightly deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The edges will look set and the center should jiggle slightly. A toothpick inserted into the brownie part should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Once cooled and sliced, wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
🧊 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze sliced bars individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Ingredients
Yield: 16 squares
Prep Time: 20 min
Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
Chill Time: ~1 hour (plus chill if desired)
For the Brownie Layer
- 115g (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 170g (6 oz) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 50g (¼ cup) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 65g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Cheesecake Swirl
- 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 50g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Make Brownie Batter
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth. Stir in both sugars.
- Once butter and chocolate are cool, Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then add vanilla.
- Sift and fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Pour most of the brownie batter into the pan, reserving about ¼ cup for the top.
- Make Cheesecake Batter
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla until creamy.
- Dollop cheesecake mixture over brownie batter, then spoon reserved brownie batter in blobs on top.
- Mix the Batters
- Swirl with a skewer or knife, making figure-eight patterns.
- Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until edges are set and the center slightly jiggles.
- Cool completely, then chill for 1 hour before slicing for clean bars.
What’s New
Try the latest in Frostings and Fillings: Classic American Chocolate Buttercream
Notes
For an extra glossy top, stir 1 tbsp hot water into the brownie batter before swirling.
Swap in your favorite flavors: raspberry jam, caramel drizzle, or a spoonful of peanut butter for a fun twist!
These Cheesecake Brownies taste INCREDIBLE the next day!
P.S. You can double the recipe for a thicker bar!
Lowen Cakes 
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