Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to a week.
Quick Answer
These Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake, making for a decadent treat perfect for any gathering.
Living in New York City, I am always on the lookout for the perfect treat to bring to gatherings—especially with the holiday season right around the corner. With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, I find myself diving into rich and indulgent desserts that not only satisfy my sweet tooth but can double as crowd-pleasers at festive celebrations. One such dessert that I’ve fallen head over heels for is these Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars.
Combining the fudgy goodness of brownie with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the nostalgic punch of peanut butter, these bars are a chocolate lover’s dream come true. As I whisked away in my cozy kitchen, the aromas of melting chocolate and nutty peanut butter filled the air, reminding me of those chilly afternoons spent baking with friends.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavor combination of fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and rich peanut butter.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings- a true crowd-pleaser!
- Easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
- Customizable toppings make it fun to get creative!
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your indulgent Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (two sticks)
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
How to Make Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create your own irresistible Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). I love using my trusty 9×13-inch baking pan for this recipe, but you can also opt for a slightly larger one if you’d like thinner bars.
Step 2: Melt the Brownie Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the chocolate chips, stirring gently as the mixture turns glossy and smooth. The rich aroma envelops your kitchen, and you can’t help but sneak a taste.
Step 3: Mix the Sugars and Eggs
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. The mixture should look thick and glossy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful to not over-mix; we want a fudgy consistency.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until creamy. Blend in the sugar, then add vanilla and peanut butter, mixing until smooth. Avoid lumps for a velvety cheesecake profile.
Step 6: Assemble the Bars
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, smoothing it out gently. Finally, drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer, creating a marbled effect.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 30 to 35 minutes. The edges will be set and the center might still have a slight jiggle—this is perfect! Let the bars cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Brownie Batter: This can lead to cake-like brownies instead of dense, fudgy brownies.
- Not Allowing the Brownie Layer to Cool Slightly: Pouring the cheesecake batter onto a hot brownie layer can cause it to mix poorly.
- Skipping the Cream Cheese Soften: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature. If it’s too cold, you’ll end up with lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Serving Temperature: These bars are delightful when chilled. Let them refrigerate for a few hours before slicing for clean cuts.
- Customize with Toppings: Feel free to drizzle melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts on top for a decorative and delicious touch.
- Storing: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week; they get even richer as they sit.
Variations
- Swap creamy peanut butter with crunchy for added texture.
- Use different types of chocolate, such as dark or milk chocolate chips.
- Add a layer of salted caramel between the brownie and cheesecake layers for extra indulgence.
- Mix in chocolate chunks or peanut butter chips for added flavor bursts.
How to Serve
- Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
- Drizzle with warm chocolate sauce just before serving for a melty finish.
- Garnish with whipped cream and chopped peanuts for a beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the bars a day in advance for best flavor.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Reheating: These bars are best served chilled—no reheating necessary!
- Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to three months.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe reminded me of the joy of baking with friends during the holidays—fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake were a match made in heaven. The secret? The balance of flavors; don’t be shy with that peanut butter!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 16 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 5g protein · 30g carbs · 14g fat
Decadent Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips in a medium saucepan over low heat until glossy and smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Sift the flour and salt into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- In another bowl, mix the softened cream cheese until creamy, then blend in the sugar, vanilla, and peanut butter.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smooth the cheesecake mixture over it, and drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top.
- Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle, then let cool before slicing into squares.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor profile, but the texture may vary slightly.
How can I tell when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be set, and the center will have a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I freeze the Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownie Bars?
Absolutely! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
