Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies


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Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies

Whoo yeah. We’re ending the week with some much needed sugar, and then some. Who’s with me?

The end of the school year is always a little sad. We say goodbye to students we really liked, clean out our classrooms (only to set them up again two months later), take some time to reflect on what we want to do differently next year, and head out in to the sunlight.

I get much more reflective if cheesecake is somehow involved, and these brownies are the ticket. Filled with chocolate chunks, these gloriously thick cheesecake brownie bars are the stuff dreams are made of.

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies

Every summer, I take on lots of projects for my growth. The list is pretty long this summer, so I’m just trying to figure out how to get through it. I’ve got two months of cake decorating class, a week of meetings at work, a book on starting a business to get through and annotate, a novel one of my students wrote that I promised to edit, two short vacations, and…yeah. That’s just the beginning.

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies

The summertime is when I try to organize the house. My son’s room needs to be decorated, my daughter’s room needs to be shoveled out and organized, and I need to find a contractor. We’re redoing our dining room, and I want to get going on making the prettier house happen.

Did I mention the childcare? I’m also doing childcare this summer. Wish me luck.

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies

The natural tendency of the human being is to get bored easily. We think we want time off, but more than a day or two with nothing to do will really start to get old. I think retirement is tricky for that reason. Sure, you worked for 30-plus years in a job, but what then? The brain needs to be engaged somehow.

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies

That’s why I’m a huge believer in keeping a lot of irons in the fire, even though people tell me that I overload my schedule in a way that’s nothing short of crazy. We’re only around once, and I want to get a lot done. Oh, and somewhere in there, I’d like to go kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding again, and I’d like to try some beach body workouts. Those are fun summer activities. So much to do, so little time!

While I contemplate logistics, these chocolate chunk cheesecake brownies can keep me company. They’re perfect for pensive moments. The textures alone are amazing. I keep them chilled, so the fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake and crunchy chocolate chunks are beautifully contrasted.

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies

Like any bar, these are not complicated to make. Each layer requires one bowl, and that’s it. So consider these a time-saving indulgence!

I’m raring to get going this summer on all my projects, and rest assured that JAB is one of them. The desserts will keep flowing your way, starting with these!

 

Chocolate Chunk Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

Brownie Base
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
1 cup chocolate chunks
Cheesecake
8 oz. block of cream cheese, softened (I used light)
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup chocolate chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8 X 8 pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cocoa into the melted butter until it dissolves. Add the sugar and stir again. When the sugar is incorporated, mix in the vanilla and eggs. Add the salt and flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.
  3. Spread the batter in the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until partially done.
  4. While the base is baking, make the cheesecake layer. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and stir again until completely incorporated. Mix in the chocolate chunks.
  5. Remove the partially baked brownies from the oven. Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer. Spread the batter out evenly.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden at the edges and set. Cool completely.
  7. Refrigerate overnight and cut into squares. Store in an airtight container.
https://justaboutbaked.com/chocolate-chunk-cheesecake-brownies/

 

Mir

I fulfill many roles in life: wife, mother, teacher, everlasting learner. This site is dedicated to one role that expresses my creativity in ways that I find consistently challenging and rewarding: baker. Inventing new ways to enhance food, especially if that food involves chocolate or peanut butter (or both!), is a passion of mine. I look forward to sharing my ideas with you.

This Post Has 10 Comments

  1. Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom

    Mir, we are very similar. . if I’m not doing a million things, I can’t sit still. . your summer sounds like it’s going to be amazing!!!! especially the cake decorating class and the novel you will be editing!!!! do you have a babysitter you can call if you need someone? just like a neighborhood kid? that’s the only thing. . when kids are involved, I feel like my productivity level goes from 10 to 1, ok maybe not that dramatic but you know what I mean. Anyway, wishing us both a fabulous memorable and productive summer!!!! I want these brownies!!!
    Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…What’s Happening FridayMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I do send them to camp for some of it, so that helps. And I teach HS, so I have a team of babysitters at the ready! I wish I were one of those moms who could focus on kids 24/7 and be happy, but nope. Not wired that way!

  2. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice

    Hooray for the end of the school year! I’m sure it’s always a bittersweet feeling. But I love that you’re celebrating with cheesecake and brownies, only the best mashup ever! Sounds like you’ll have a busy, but fulfilling summer. And if these brownies are involved, I’m sure it will make it that much better!
    Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Strawberry Poppy Seed Chicken SaladMy Profile

    1. Mir

      Summers are busy, but fun. Love it!

  3. Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss

    It sure looks like you have your plate full….with chocolate chunk cheesecake brownies!!! I definitely know what you mean though – I’m so busy all week at work and when the weekend rolls around and it’s time to relax, all I can think about is how many things I can cram into 48 hours. Glad I’m not the only one! Have a great weekend and let us know how that cake decorating class goes!!
    Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss recently posted…Sit and Chat SaturdayMy Profile

    1. Mir

      You are definitely not the only one, Jessica!

  4. Manali@CookWithManali

    this looks super delicious, cheesecake + brownies? sign me up!
    Manali@CookWithManali recently posted…Grilled Avocado Toast SticksMy Profile

    1. Mir

      I’m right there with you!

  5. Cakespy

    Goodness me, these have already made my summer more leisurely and joyful!
    Cakespy recently posted…Eat This, Complete Your Life: Baci Cheesecake.My Profile

    1. Mir

      Mine too, Jessie!

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