Brace yourself for a triple-layered treat that’s the very definition of indulgence: Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert. Imagine a fudgy brownie base, dreamy cheesecake center, and chunky chocolate chip cookie dough crowning every bite. Each layer brings its own personality, making these bars a showstopper at any gathering—or just an epic reward after a long week. They’re rich, chewy, creamy, and dangerously hard to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list might look impressive, but you’ll find everything is simple, familiar, and essential for that unforgettable taste and texture. Each one has a starring role: from adding chewiness and creaminess to ensuring chocolatey perfection and that iconic marbled top.
- Unsalted Butter: Used in both the brownie and cookie dough layers for rich flavor and perfect tenderness; make sure to melt for brownies and soften for the dough.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the brownie and cheesecake layers and adds structure to the cookie dough for just the right balance.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth, moisture, and that classic cookie dough chew—don’t skip it for extra flavor in the top layer!
- Large Eggs: Essential for binding each layer; use one for the cheesecake, two for the brownies.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and roundness, intensifying the appeal of every layer.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers true brownie flavor with rich chocolate notes that are anything but ordinary.
- All-Purpose Flour: Key structural element throughout, keeping bars sturdy yet oh-so-soft.
- Salt: Just a pinch awakens all the sweetness in the base and prevents the dessert from tasting flat.
- Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer—room temperature is a must for ultimate silkiness.
- Milk: A splash makes the cookie dough perfectly scoopable and blends the sweetness smoothly.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Tiny chips mean maximum chocolate in every bite of the cookie dough finish.
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How to Make Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Begin by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. Let the paper overhang on two sides—this way, you’ll get crisp edges and, best of all, easy lifting when it’s time to slice those glorious bars.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer
Whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a medium bowl until velvety-smooth. Stir in the cocoa, flour, and salt just until combined, careful not to overmix. This layer will bake up dense and fudgy, providing the ultimate chocolatey foundation for our Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert. Spread the batter evenly in your prepped pan.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla, whipping it up until luscious and creamy. Pour this dreamy mix over the brownie base, then smooth the surface. This middle layer is what sets these bars apart—silky, tangy, and perfectly balanced between all that richness.
Step 4: Create the Cookie Dough Layer
Cream the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars in a third bowl. A spoonful of milk and splash of vanilla make it decadently soft. Mix in the flour just until absorbed, then gently fold in the mini chocolate chips for that classic cookie dough magic. Drop the dough in spoonfuls over the cheesecake, pressing each down gently; don’t worry about complete coverage, rustic patches look best.
Step 5: Bake, Cool, and Chill
Bake for 35–40 minutes, just until the top is golden and the center feels set (a little jiggle is okay; it’ll firm up as it cools). Let the bars cool completely in the pan—resist the urge to slice! Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours for the best texture and neatest cuts, then lift out and slice. They’re now ready for you to devour or impress your lucky guests!
How to Serve Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert
Garnishes
For an extra pop, shower the tops of your bars with a flurry of mini chocolate chips or dust with cocoa powder right before serving. A drizzle of melted chocolate or a swirl of whipped cream turns each square into pure dessert decadence. No one can resist dessert bling, especially not on Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert!
Side Dishes
These bars are stars on their own, but if you want to make dessert an event, serve them alongside fresh raspberries or sweet strawberries for a touch of brightness. A scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream pairs beautifully, melting into the cracks and crannies for a doubly rich treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut bars into big squares for a classic look or into elegant triangles for upscale sharing. Try stacking them in a high tower on a cake stand for dramatic effect at parties. You can even tuck individual bars into cupcake liners for cute grab-and-go treats at picnics and potlucks—your friends will be lining up for the recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh, moist, and dreamy for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or special occasions.
Freezing
These bars freeze surprisingly well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then wrap each bar in plastic and transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
If you love a warm treat, pop a bar in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds straight from the fridge. The brownie base gets extra gooey, the cheesecake smooths out, and the chocolate chips melt ever so slightly. Just note: these bars are just as scrumptious cold!
FAQs
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a 9×13-inch pan and watch the baking time, as it may need a few extra minutes. Doubling is perfect for a crowd, and trust me, no one will complain about leftovers of Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert.
Do I have to use heat-treated flour for the cookie dough layer?
It’s a good idea for food safety, especially if you’re serving to little ones or anyone who prefers extra caution. You can find pre-treated flour at some stores or quickly microwave your flour in a microwave-safe bowl for a couple of minutes to ensure it’s ready to use.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for both the brownie and cookie dough layers. Just be sure your blend includes xanthan gum for best structure. The bars will still earn rave reviews!
What’s the best way to get clean, perfect slices?
Chill the bars thoroughly, then use a sharp knife cleaned in hot water between each cut. For truly show-off worthy squares, wipe the blade after every cut and cut straight down for neat layers.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Certainly! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be delicious in the brownie or cookie dough layers. You can even fold rainbow sprinkles into the dough for a fun twist on your classic Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bake, slice, and taste these Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert for yourself. Each layer brings something crave-worthy to the table, and I promise there won’t be a crumb left behind. You’ll want to make these for every celebration, or simply whenever you need a delicious pick-me-up—enjoy every decadent bite!
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Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Crave This Ultimate Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. Layers of rich brownie, creamy cheesecake, and irresistible cookie dough come together in one decadent treat that will satisfy all your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cookie Dough Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the brownie layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined. Spread evenly into the prepared pan.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until creamy and smooth. Pour over the brownie batter and gently spread into an even layer.
- Make the cookie dough layer: In a third bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add milk and vanilla. Mix in the flour, then fold in the mini chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer and gently press down to flatten slightly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Use heat-treated flour for the cookie dough layer to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- These bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
