Whenever I make this Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe, it instantly becomes the star of the gathering-whether it's a cozy weekend treat or a festive potluck. I first discovered this recipe when I wanted to marry my two favorite desserts, brownies and cheesecake, into one showstopper. The ooey-gooey brownie base with its fudgy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy, velvety cheesecake topping. Honestly, it's impossible to eat just one bar, and everyone I've served it to asks for the recipe.

You'll love how straightforward this Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is, even if you're not an experienced baker. The brownie layer has a rich chocolate aroma and a tender crumb, while the cheesecake adds that luscious tangy creaminess with a delicate firmness that holds the bars together. Plus, the oreo bits sprinkled inside and on top give an irresistible crunch. This recipe is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a weekend indulgence, and I'll walk you through each step to make sure you nail it.

Don't worry if you've never combined brownies and cheesecake before-I'll share simple tips and tricks so you feel confident. The best part is you don't have to sacrifice flavor or texture to save time. Let's get baking!

Jump to:

Why You'll Love It
Ingredients & What They Do
Ways to Change It Up
How to Make Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
FAQ
Printable Recipe

Quick Recipe Snapshot

What you'll taste: Rich fudgy brownie, creamy tangy cheesecake, plus crunchy Oreo bites.
Time & effort: About 1 hour 15 minutes with simple, foolproof steps.
Best for: Weekends, celebrations, and anytime you need a decadent crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love It

This Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe stands out because it perfectly marries two beloved desserts into one. First, it hits that sweet spot between fudgy and creamy-you get the best of both worlds in every bite. Second, it's flexible: you can add Oreo pieces inside and on top, introducing a delightful texture contrast that keeps things interesting. And lastly, it's approachable. You don't need fancy ingredients or high-level skills, making it a gorgeous dessert you'll feel proud to share.

Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients & What They Do

Read this first-exact amounts are in the recipe card.

Brownie mix: The base for gooey, rich chocolate flavor. Using a box mix makes it easy without sacrificing taste.
Oreos: Adds crunch and a subtle creaminess; divided to mix inside and garnish on top.
Cream cheese: The star ingredient for that smooth, tangy cheesecake layer.
Egg and vanilla extract: Bind and flavor the cheesecake for richness and depth.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer perfectly.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and balances the tang, ensuring a creamy texture without lumps.
Chocolate chips and heavy cream: Combine to make a glossy ganache that adds a silky chocolate finish.

If you need substitutions, plain yogurt can replace sour cream, and dairy-free cream cheese works well if you want a vegan twist (just check your brownie mix!). You can also swap Oreos for any sandwich cookie or add nuts if you like extra crunch.

Cook's Insight

Exact measurements live in the printable recipe card at the end. Below, I'll share why each ingredient matters and the tiny tweaks that make Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe turn out just right.

Ways to Change It Up

Add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to the brownie batter for a subtle, sophisticated flavor boost.
Swap Oreos for chopped peppermint or toffee candy for a seasonal twist.
Use gluten-free brownie mix and dairy-free cream cheese to make this recipe allergen-friendly.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the ganache for a sweet, gooey surprise.
Fold in fresh raspberries or swirl raspberry jam into the cheesecake layer for a fruity contrast.
Top with toasted nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.

How to Make Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Now, let's walk through making these bars-from fudgy base to that silky ganache finish. Take your time with each step, and you'll end up with bars that look like you spent hours in the kitchen (even if you didn't!).

Preheat the oven and prep your pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal or lightly spray with cooking spray.
Prepare the brownie batter: Follow the box instructions for the mix but don't bake yet. Stir in half your chopped Oreos by gently pressing them into the batter after you pour it into the pan.
Bake the brownie layer partially: Bake until the top is just set but still soft-this gives you the perfect base without overcooking since the cheesecake layer goes on top next.
Make the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, egg, vanilla, and sour cream. Mix until creamy and lump-free-it should be silky and smooth.
Layer and bake again: Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled brownie base, spread evenly, then bake 25-30 minutes until cherries around the edges look set but center still jiggles slightly.
Cool and chill: Let bars cool at room temp, then chill for at least an hour so they firm up nicely.
Prepare the ganache: Warm chocolate chips and heavy cream until smooth, glossy, and well combined. Spread over chilled cheesecake layer.
Top with remaining Oreos and chill: Sprinkle the rest of the chopped Oreos on top and press in lightly. Chill another 2 hours or overnight for best slicing results.

Kitchen Shortcuts

Prep smarter: Chop Oreos ahead and store in an airtight container so they're ready to toss in when you bake.
Texture control: Watch for the cheesecake's slight jiggle-it means it's perfectly set, not overbaked or dry.
Cleanup win: Lining your pan with parchment makes lifting the bars out in one piece a breeze.
Make it foolproof: Use room-temp cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest filling without lumps.

Helpful Tip

To get those clean, pretty bars, chill overnight before cutting and use a sharp knife warmed briefly under hot water-wipe it clean between slices for perfect edges every time.

How to Serve

Everyday: Enjoy a bar with a cup of coffee or afternoon tea for a tasty treat to brighten your day.
For Guests: Plate individual bars with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries for a stunning dessert presentation.
Creative Twist: Turn leftovers into mini parfaits by layering crumbled bars with whipped cream and fresh fruit in glasses.

Make Ahead & Store

Make ahead: Prepare the bars fully and refrigerate overnight-this actually deepens the flavors.
Room temp: Let bars sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften the ganache and cheesecake layers.
Refrigeration: Store airtight in the fridge up to 4 days to keep them luscious and fresh.
Freezing: Wrap bars tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Served cold or at room temp is best, but if you like, 10 seconds in the microwave warms them just right.

FAQ

Can I make this Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe from scratch? Absolutely! While the box mix saves time, homemade brownies work beautifully if you prefer full control over ingredients.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking? Use room-temp cream cheese and don't overmix; bake until just set-some jiggle is perfect to avoid cracks.
Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos? Yes! Anything sandwich-style or chocolate chip cookies work great for texture variation.
What's the best way to cut these bars? Chill fully and use a warm, sharp knife-wipe blade between cuts for neat slices.
Is this Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe freezer-friendly? Definitely! Freeze wrapped tightly, then thaw in fridge before enjoying.

Final Note

I hope this Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe becomes as much of a favorite in your kitchen as it is in mine-it's truly such a crowd-pleaser. Don't hesitate to leave a rating or comment below to share how yours turned out or any fun tweaks you tried. And if you want more recipes like this, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Happy baking, friend!

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