Brownie Bomb Bars Recipe
Okay, friends, gather ’round! You know those days when you just NEED a brownie, but a regular brownie feels… well, boring? That’s where this Brownie Bomb Bars Recipe comes in. Seriously, these are my go-to when I need a chocolate fix that’s a little extra special. Think fudgy brownie meets decadent cheesecake swirl, all in one easy-to-make bar. They’re kind of like a leveled-up version of those boxed brownie mixes we all secretly love, but with way more flavor and personality. This recipe makes a big batch, too, so you can share (or not! 😉).
What is Brownie Bomb Bar recipe?
Brownie Bomb Bars are exactly what they sound like. An explosion of chocolatey, fudgy and creamy goodness! Think of it as a brownie cheesecake hybrid, but instead of individual slices, it’s baked in the pan. Then you can bake it in tin foil. How do you cut a bar? What is the “bomb” part of the cream? What is cheese filling What is a super-charged brownie? To a whole new level. My kids call them “magic brownies” because they disappear so quickly!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is insane! The fudgy, intensely chocolatey brownie base is perfectly balanced by the tangy, creamy cheesecake swirl. It’s a party in your mouth, I promise. But beyond the incredible taste, what I love most is how easy these are to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or pastry chef skills. It’s a simple mix-and-bake situation, perfect for beginner bakers. Plus, these are way more cost-effective than buying individual desserts at a bakery. The ingredients are pantry staples, and you likely have most of them on hand already.
And let’s talk versatility! These Brownie Bomb Bars are amazing on their own, but you can also dress them up with toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. They’re perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or just a cozy night in. Honestly, I’ve made these countless times for different occasions, and they’re always a hit. They’re even better than those slice and bake cookies (dare I say it!), because you know exactly what’s going into them. I once accidentally used melted butter instead of softened cream cheese in the filling and, surprisingly, it was even gooier and more delicious! It was a total happy accident. I’ve also added a tablespoon of instant coffee to the brownie batter – the subtle coffee flavor enhances the chocolate so well. Try it, you’ll thank me!
How do I make Brownie Bomb Bars?
Quick Overview
How do I make these Brownie Bomb Bars? How do I make a cheesecake? What’s the best way to make brownie batter and cream cheese filling? What is the best way to create a marbled effect, and bake until golden brown and fudgy. What’s the beauty of this recipe is that it’s super forgiving – don’t stress about making it perfect, just make it! Have fun with it! Where do you get creative with swirling?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Main Batter:
Semi-SweeGood quality chocolate is key! I usually use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can also use chopped chocolate bars.Unsalted ButterHow do I make brownies?Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and to help create that fudgy texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds a chewy texture and molasses flavor.
Eggs:What are some of the best ingredients for structure?Vanilla Extract: What is Enhances the chocolate flavor. Don’t skip it! I always use the real stuff.
All-purpose FlourWhat is the best way to make brownies?Cocoa Powder:Adds extra chocolate flavor and deepens the color. I prefer using Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a richer taste, but regular chocolate works too.Salt:What are some good ways to balance sweetness and enhance other flavors?
For the Filling:
Cream Cheese:Who is the star of the show? Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for a smooth, creamy filling. Don’t even think about using low-fat foods.Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the filling.
Egg:What is the best way to make a filling?Vanilla Extract:What is the flavor of the filling?Optional:Lemon zest or lemon juice for a little zing.
For the Glaze:
Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
Milk: Use milk or heavy cream for the right consistency.
Vanilla Extract: What is Adds a touch of vanilla flavor.
Optional:How do I make a chocolate glaze?
What are the steps in
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. This trick is a lifesaver when you’re trying to get those perfect slices!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps! This step is important because it ensures that the cocoa powder and salt are evenly distributed. What makes a perfect brownie?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. I always use a whisk for this step – it helps to incorporate air into the batter and makes the brownies extra fudgy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. How do you not overmix? If you overmix the flour, the gluten will develop, resulting in tough brownies. What is the best batter to bake?
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. If you’re using lemon zest or juice, stir it in now. I always taste the filling at this point to make sure it’s sweet enough and has the right tang.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese filling over the brownie batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese filling into the brownie batter. Get creative with your swirls! I like to make figure-eight patterns or just swirl it randomly. Just be careful not to over-swirl, or the filling will disappear into the brownie batter.
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. I always start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want to make a chocolate glaze, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the bars. Pour the glaze over the cooled bars and spread evenly. Let the glaze set before slicing.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the Brownie Bomb Bars into squares or rectangles. Serve at room temperature or chilled. These are best enjoyed with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream! I like to sprinkle a little extra cocoa powder on top for a pretty presentation.
What to Serve It With
These Brownie Bomb Bars are so versatile, they can be served for just about any occasion!
For Breakfast: Pair a bar with a hot cup of coffee or a latte for a decadent morning treat. I sometimes crumble one over yogurt with fresh berries for a fun twist.
For Brunch: Serve the bars on a platter alongside other brunch favorites like muffins, fruit salad, and quiche. They look beautiful arranged with a dusting of powdered sugar.
As Dessert: These are perfect after a light dinner. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel adds an extra touch of indulgence. We also love them with some fresh raspberries.
For Cozy Snacks: Curl up on the couch with a Brownie Bomb Bar and a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly evening. They’re the ultimate comfort food! My kids love to have these as an after-school snack with a glass of milk.
My family has a tradition of making these bars every Christmas Eve. We serve them warm with a scoop of peppermint ice cream, and it’s the perfect way to end a festive evening. Sometimes, I even get a little wild and add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes on top – so festive!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Brownie Bomb Bars Recipe
Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to help you make the best Brownie Bomb Bars ever:
Chocolate Selection: Don’t skimp on chocolate quality – it makes a HUGE difference. Splurge on that good stuff; it’s an investment in happiness!
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined.
Swirl Customization: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your swirls! Use a knife, skewer, or even a chopstick to create different patterns. The more swirls, the more marbled your bars will be.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have brown sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar. If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can add a little extra melted chocolate. I’ve even used almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze, and honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference.
Baking Tips: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. If the top of the brownies is browning too quickly, tent the pan with foil.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with your glaze! Add a little melted chocolate for a chocolate glaze, a dash of peppermint extract for a peppermint glaze, or a sprinkle of sprinkles for a funfetti glaze. I once added a pinch of sea salt to the glaze and it was unexpectedly delicious!
One time, I accidentally used self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour and the brownies puffed up like crazy! They were still delicious, but they weren’t as fudgy as they usually are. So, make sure you use the right type of flour!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to properly store your Brownie Bomb Bars to keep them fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the bars at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Make sure they’re covered tightly to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the bars in the refrigerator for up to a week in an airtight container. The cold temperatures will help them stay fresh and prevent them from becoming stale.
Freezer Instructions: If you want to store the bars for even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the bars for more than a day, it’s best to wait to glaze them until just before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming soggy or cracking.
I often make a big batch of these bars and freeze them individually wrapped for a quick and easy dessert whenever I need one. It’s a lifesaver when unexpected guests arrive or when I’m just craving something sweet!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my super-secret (well, not anymore!) Brownie Bomb Bars Recipe! I genuinely believe this recipe is a winner because it’s so easy, so delicious, and so customizable. The combination of fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake swirl is simply irresistible. Plus, they’re always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.
If you’re looking for other easy and delicious dessert recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! I have tons of recipes for cookies, cakes, pies, and more. And if you try this Brownie Bomb Bars Recipe, be sure to let me know how it turns out! I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback.
Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you make any fun variations, be sure to share them! I’m always looking for new ideas. And if you loved this recipe, please rate it and share it with your friends! Thanks for reading!
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Brownie Bomb Bars Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts optional
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Combine the flour, cocoa, and salt; gradually stir into the egg mixture until blended. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center is set. Remove, and cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into bars.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
