Mocha Brownie Cheesecake Bars

$- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs (room temperature) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder - 16 oz cream cheese, softened (preferably at room temperature) - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs (room temperature) - 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon brewed coffee The brownie layer needs butter, sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. You want soft butter for easy mixing. The cheesecake layer is rich and creamy. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth texture. The optional topping adds extra flavor. It’s a great way to enhance the mocha taste. Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start. This helps keep everything organized and fun. You will love how these layers come together to create something so special! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x9-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it is melted, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until well mixed. Add 2 large eggs, whisking them in one at a time. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Sift in 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Stir gently until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 20 minutes and let it cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix it until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar while mixing on medium speed. This step ensures the sugar dissolves fully. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Now, add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of sour cream. Blend until smooth and free from lumps. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the brownies. Return the pan to your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cheesecake should be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will firm up more while it cools. After baking, take the pan out of the oven. While the bars are still warm, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chocolate chips on top. If you want a stronger mocha flavor, drizzle 1 tablespoon of brewed coffee over the chocolate chips. Let the bars cool to room temperature in the pan. For the best texture, move the bars to the refrigerator. Chill them for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help the flavors meld perfectly. To get the best texture, use room temperature ingredients. This helps them blend well. For the brownie layer, do not overmix the batter. Mixing too much can make them tough. For the cheesecake, make sure the cream cheese is smooth before adding sugar. This keeps the mixture creamy. Chill the bars for at least four hours. This helps them set nicely. You will need a few simple tools. A 9x9-inch baking pan is key for even baking. Use parchment paper for easy removal. A mixing bowl and electric mixer make your work easier. A spatula helps spread the cheesecake layer evenly. A sharp knife is best for cutting the bars cleanly. Serve the bars on a pretty platter. Cut them into squares for easy serving. Drizzle warm chocolate sauce on top for extra flavor. Whipped cream adds a nice touch too. For a fancy finish, sprinkle cocoa powder or chocolate shavings on top. These small details make your bars look and taste even better! {{image_4}} You can make these mocha brownie cheesecake bars even better! Consider adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy bite. You can also swap out the chocolate. Use dark chocolate for a rich taste or milk chocolate for a sweeter touch. Want to up the coffee flavor? Add more instant coffee granules or espresso powder to the cheesecake layer. You can even mix in some caramel sauce for a sweet twist. Every variation brings new fun! If you need gluten-free bars, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal and use a dairy-free cream cheese. You can swap the butter for coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate. These changes still give you that creamy texture and rich flavor. Everyone can enjoy these bars! These bars are great for any event! For parties, cut them into small squares for easy serving. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a treat. For a cozy night in, serve them warm with a cup of coffee. If it's a special occasion, dress them up with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. They are perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because! Enjoy the delight of these mocha brownie cheesecake bars at any time. You can store unbaked brownie batter in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember to keep it covered well to avoid drying out. When ready to bake, stir it lightly before pouring it into your pan. Once baked, let the brownie cheesecake bars cool. Cut them into squares after they cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. They last up to one week in the fridge. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can also freeze them. To freeze, wrap each square in plastic wrap tightly. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, take out the bars and thaw them in the fridge overnight. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds for a fresh taste. Yes, you can! Cream cheese gives a rich flavor. You can try mascarpone or ricotta for a lighter taste. Just keep the texture in mind. They may change the final taste. The cheesecake is done when it has a slight jiggle in the center. It should not look wet or runny. Also, the edges will look set. Let it cool; it will firm up more. You can use brewed coffee instead. Just reduce the amount of sour cream slightly. You can also use espresso powder for a richer coffee flavor. If you prefer no coffee, skip it entirely. Absolutely! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Bake and chill them for up to two days. Store them in the fridge. They taste even better after resting. Use a sharp knife. For the best cuts, clean the knife between slices. This way, the bars stay neat. You can also chill them longer for firmer cuts. You now have a complete guide to making delicious brownie cheesecake bars. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations. You can customize flavors and adapt to dietary needs. Remember to store them properly for the best taste. Enjoy your baking, and have fun sharing these tasty treats with others!$

Mocha Brownie Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the ultimate treat with these Mocha Brownie Cheesecake Bars! Combining rich brownie goodness with a creamy cheesecake layer infused with coffee, these bars are perfect for any dessert lover. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready in no time. Ready to satisfy your sweet tooth? Click through to explore the full recipe and make these delicious bars today!

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Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs (room temperature)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened (preferably at room temperature)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs (room temperature)

1 tablespoon instant coffee granules

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup sour cream

For the Topping (Optional):

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1 tablespoon brewed coffee

Instructions

Prepare the Brownie Layer:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter until fully liquefied. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat, and stir in the granulated sugar until well blended.

- Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.

- Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool slightly while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Make the Cheesecake Layer:

- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. You may want to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.

- Gradually add the granulated sugar, mixing on medium speed until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and sour cream, blending until the mixture is completely smooth and free from lumps.

Layer the Cheesecake:

- Pour the creamy cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie layer in the baking pan. Use a spatula to gently spread the cheesecake evenly across the brownie layer, ensuring it is fully covered.

Bake the Bars:

- Return the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheesecake layer should be set but will have a slight jiggle in the center. It will firm up further as it cools.

Add the Topping:

- Once out of the oven, while the bars are still warm, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top, and if you desire, drizzle with the brewed coffee for an extra mocha flavor.

Cool and Chill:

- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature in the pan. For the best texture, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Prep Time: 20 min | Total Time: 1 hr 10 min | Servings: 12 bars

- Presentation Tips:

- When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares. Arrange them on a decorative serving platter. For an indulgent touch, drizzle with additional warm chocolate sauce or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

- Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish that enhances visual appeal. Enjoy your decadent treat! 🍰✨