Imagine sinking your teeth into a dessert that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies, the creamy decadence of cheesecake, and the irresistible allure of peanut butter - all in one mind-blowing bite! These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars are not just a dessert; they're a culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary sweet tooth cravings into an extraordinary taste experience. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a peanut butter fanatic, or simply someone who appreciates desserts that make your taste buds dance, this recipe is your ultimate indulgence waiting to happen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add peanut butter and powdered sugar, mixing until creamy and well incorporated.
- Dollop the peanut butter cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, using a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly across the top of the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 even squares.
- For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the bars to set and flavors to meld.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining brownie batter, mix just until ingredients are incorporated to keep the texture fudgy and tender.
- Swirling Technique: For beautiful marbling, use a knife or toothpick to gently create swirls between the brownie and cheesecake layers.
- Chill for Perfection: Refrigerating the bars allows flavors to meld and makes cutting clean, precise squares easier.
- Line Your Pan: Using parchment paper with overhanging edges makes removing and cutting the bars a breeze.
- Check for Doneness: A few moist crumbs on the toothpick indicate perfectly baked brownies - avoid overbaking!
- Store Smartly: These bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 65mg
