Craving a decadent dessert that combines the best of brownies and cookie dough cheesecake? Look no further than these irresistible Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. Picture this: a rich, fudgy brownie base, topped with a luscious layer of creamy cookie dough cheesecake, all finished off with a velvety chocolate topping.
These indulgent bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any gathering or party. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, whether you opt for a homemade brownie base or a convenient boxed mix. The cookie dough layer, safe to eat and gluten-free, adds a delightful twist to the classic dessert.
Ingredients
Creating these decadent Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars requires a few key ingredients for each layer. Let’s gather everything we need for the brownie bottom, the cheesecake layer, and the cookie dough.
For the Brownie Bottom
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 13×9-inch pan
- Brownie mix ingredients as per the box instructions
- 2 eggs
- Cookie mix
- Flour
- Butter
- Chocolate chips
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
Equipment Needed
For preparing these irresistible Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars, you will need the following equipment to ensure a smooth cooking process and delicious outcome:
Kitchen Appliances:
- 13×9-inch baking pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Utensils:
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Heatproof bowl
- Parchment paper
- Aluminum foil
Having these equipment items ready will make it a breeze to create these decadent bars.
Preparation
Before diving into creating the layers of this decadent brownie bottom cookie dough cheesecake, you’ll need to preheat the oven and gather all your ingredients and equipment. Let’s break down the preparation into three essential steps.
Preparing the Brownie Bottom
The first step in crafting this indulgent dessert is creating the fudgy brownie base. Here’s a quick recap of how to prepare the brownie bottom:
- Melt chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler until smooth.
- Whisk together the melted chocolate-butter, vegetable oil, sugars, vanilla extract, and eggs until the batter lightens in color.
- Stir in sifted cocoa powder, flour, and salt until combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into a prepared springform pan and bake for about 30 minutes.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
Next up is the creamy and luscious cheesecake filling that complements the rich chocolatey brownie. Here’s how to make the cheesecake filling:
- Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.
- Mix in heavy cream and sour cream until the batter is smooth.
- Stir in chocolate chips to the cheesecake batter.
Creating the Cookie Dough
To add a burst of cookie dough goodness to your cheesecake, follow these steps:
- Beat together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually add flour and mix until combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips to the cookie dough.
- Roll the dough into small bites and freeze for later incorporation into the cheesecake filling.
By following these preparation steps, you’ll be on your way to creating a show-stopping brownie bottom cookie dough cheesecake that will have everyone craving more.
Assembly and Baking
Layering the Base and Filling
I’m excited to walk you through assembling and baking these decadent Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars. Once the brownie base and the cheesecake filling are prepared, it’s time to create the layers for this indulgent treat.
Start by pouring the prepared cheesecake filling over the baked and cooled brownie base in the 13×9-inch pan. Smooth out the filling evenly to cover the brownie layer completely.
Adding the Cookie Dough
It’s time to add the safe-to-eat, gluten-free cookie dough on top of the cheesecake layer. Carefully spread the cookie dough evenly over the cheesecake, ensuring full coverage.
Cooling and Finishing
Chilling the Cheesecake
After assembling the layers and baking the cheesecake, it’s crucial to chill it for the flavors to meld and for easy slicing later on. Place the cheesecake in the refrigerator for 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure it sets perfectly.
Serving and Storage
After the delightful process of creating these Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars, it’s time to learn how to slice and serve them with finesse. Additionally, knowing how to store any leftover bars will ensure that you can enjoy them for days to come.
How to Slice and Serve
- To slice the Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars neatly, first, ensure they have been properly chilled for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set.
- Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water for a few seconds to make slicing through the layers easier, cleaning the knife between cuts for a cleaner presentation.
- Gently lift each slice out of the pan with a spatula to keep the layers intact, serving on individual plates with a dollop of whipped cream and maybe a sprinkle of cocoa powder for decoration.
- If you happen to have any leftover Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and quality.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the bars by wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen bars, simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving. This will ensure they retain their texture and flavors effectively.
Conclusion
Crafting Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars is a delightful journey that culminates in a decadent dessert experience. The layers of rich brownie, luscious cookie dough cheesecake, and indulgent chocolate topping create a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to impress. With careful preparation and assembly, these bars are bound to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Remember to chill the bars before slicing for that perfect presentation and enjoy them with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder. Whether served fresh or stored for later enjoyment, these bars are a true delight for any dessert lover. Happy baking and savor every delicious bite of these irresistible Brownie Bottom Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars!