Description
These Cozy Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Bars combine the magic of hot cocoa and cheesecake in one indulgent, sliceable dessert. With a fudgy brownie base, rich chocolate cheesecake center, and toasted meringue topping, they’re the perfect winter treat to cozy up with.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3 large egg whites
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Mini marshmallows for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the brownie layer: Mix melted butter with sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and cocoa powder until glossy. Stir in flour until just combined. Spread in pan and bake for 20–22 minutes. Cool completely.
3. Make cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar, sour cream, melted chocolate, vanilla, espresso powder, and salt. Beat in eggs one at a time. Pour over cooled brownie base and smooth the top.
4. Bake at 325°F for 35–40 minutes, until center is just set. Cool for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. For meringue: Gently whisk egg whites and sugar over a double boiler until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm. Whip until stiff, glossy peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled cheesecake.
6. Toast meringue with a kitchen torch or briefly broil (30–60 seconds). Add mini marshmallows if desired. Slice and serve chilled or room temp.
Notes
Make sure the brownie layer is fully cooled before adding the cheesecake batter to keep layers clean.
When slicing, use a hot knife wiped clean between cuts for the neatest presentation.
If freezing, skip the meringue until ready to serve for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg