Brownie Bottom Bars
Brownie Bottom Bars are a rich and gooey dessert featuring a dense fudgy brownie base topped with a smooth, creamy cream cheese layer. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, these bars combine perfect textures and flavors for an indulgent treat loved by all.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (115g) Butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) Sugar
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) Cocoa Powder
- Pinch of Salt
- 1/2 cup (90g) Chocolate Chips or Chunks (optional)
Cream Cheese Topping
- 8 ounces (225g) Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons Milk or Heavy Cream
- Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven: Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is mixed.
- Make the Brownie Base: In a mixing bowl, melt the butter and combine it with sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Topping: Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of milk or cream until it turns silky and light, creating a creamy layer that complements the brownie base.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan and spread it out. Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese topping on top, then gently swirl it with a knife to create beautiful marbling.
- Bake Until Set: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep a fudgy texture.
- Cool and Cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan to firm up. Once cooled, use a sharp knife to slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help combine smoothly for even baking.
- Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough bars; stir until ingredients just come together.
- Swirl the cream cheese topping gently to keep layers distinct but blended.
- Check baking time carefully in the last 5 minutes to avoid dryness.
- Allow bars to cool thoroughly before slicing to set flavors and firmness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: Brownie Bottom Bars, cream cheese bars, fudgy brownies, easy dessert, chocolate bars