Description
These Oreo Brownie Cheesecake Bars combine rich, fudgy brownies with creamy cheesecake and crunchy Oreo cookies for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The layered treat starts with a cake-like brownie base topped with a layer of whole Oreos, followed by a smooth cheesecake mixture and finished with crushed Oreos for extra texture and flavor. Easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious, these bars make a crowd-pleasing dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer
- 18.3 ounces brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the brownie mix box for cake-like brownies)
- 23 Oreo cookies
Cheesecake Filling
- 1/2 cup reserved brownie batter (taken from the prepared batter)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
Topping
- 10 Oreo cookies, crushed
- Optional: Chocolate sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with baking spray or lining it with foil and spraying the foil to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Mix the brownie batter according to the package instructions for cake-like brownies. Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Reserve Brownie Batter: Scoop out 1/2 cup of the prepared brownie batter, cover it, and refrigerate this portion to use later in the cheesecake filling.
- Layer Brownie Batter in Pan: Pour the remaining brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly to the edges.
- Add Oreo Cookies: Arrange 23 whole Oreo cookies evenly on top of the brownie batter and gently press them down slightly into the batter.
- Bake Brownie Base: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the brownie layer comes out mostly clean, indicating it is set but still moist.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: While the brownie base bakes, beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar to Cream Cheese: Beat in the granulated sugar until fully combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Reserved Brownie Batter and Flavorings: Add the reserved 1/2 cup brownie batter, heavy cream, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs to the mixture and mix just until combined, being careful not to overbeat.
- Spread Cheesecake Filling: Once the brownie layer is done baking, remove the pan from the oven and carefully spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the hot brownie and Oreo base.
- Add Crushed Oreos: Sprinkle the crushed Oreos evenly over the cheesecake layer for added texture and flavor.
- Bake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake center is set with no jiggle and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool Bars: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour until they are cool enough to handle.
- Chill: Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill the bars for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to ensure they are fully set and firm.
- Serve: Once chilled, cut the bars into 16 squares and optionally drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use the brownie mix’s cake-like brownie instructions to ensure the right texture.
- Chilling overnight improves the cheesecake layer’s firmness and flavor melding.
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth filling to avoid lumps.
- Press the Oreos gently into the batter so they don’t break but stay embedded.
- Ensure not to overmix the cheesecake filling once the eggs are added to prevent cracking.
- If desired, garnish with additional chocolate sauce or whipped cream for serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days for maximum freshness.
