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Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Cheesecake Bars

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A rich and creamy dessert combining a fudgy brownie base with a luscious cheesecake layer studded with peanut butter cups. Easy to make and perfect for dessert lovers looking for a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (about 6–8 standard-size) peanut butter cups, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup sugar until combined and glossy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to about half an inch thick. Set aside.
  5. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 cup sugar and beat until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
  7. Fold in the chopped peanut butter cups gently with a spatula, keeping chunks visible.
  8. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base, spreading evenly. Some swirling into the brownie layer is fine.
  9. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Avoid overbaking.
  10. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to firm up.
  11. Slice into 12 bars using a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Soften cream cheese fully before mixing to avoid lumps. Fold dry ingredients gently into wet to keep brownies fudgy. Bake until cheesecake layer is just set and slightly jiggly to prevent cracks. Chill bars thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for neat slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter cup, brownie, cheesecake, dessert bars, easy dessert, peanut butter dessert, fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/decadent-peanut-butter-cup-brownie-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-dessert-lovers/