Cheesecake Brownie Bars

I saw a picture of these on the cover of a Family Circle magazine and I couldn't stop thinking about them. I happen to have a bit of a sweet tooth and it was amplified by my most recent attempt at calorie counting. My birthday was the perfect occasion to give them a try. For a slight variation, I poured half of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie part, topped it with a layer of chopped Oreos, then poured the rest of the cheesecake on top. Next time I think I will decrease the baking time a little bit, but I think they turned out really well.


Cheesecake Brownie Bars
(32 servings)

Cheesecake
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup sugar
3 packages (8 oz each) 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
3 large eggs
3/4 cup sour cream
2/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla

Brownie
1 cup unsalted butter
5 squares (1 oz each) unsweetened chocolate
1 3/4 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 bag (12 oz) bittersweet chocolate chips

Topping
3 Tbsp strawberry jelly
1 pkg (12 oz) strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/4 cup hot fudge sauce, heated
Whipped topping
Chopped hazelnuts, for garnish (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan with foil. Coat foil with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Cheesecake: In large bowl, whisk cornstarch and sugar until blended. Add cream cheese, and beat until smooth. Beat in eggs, sour cream and milk. Stir in vanilla; set aside.

3. Brownie: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate. Microwave for 1 minute, 30 seconds. Stir, if necessary, continue heating in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until chocolate is melted.

4. Whisk in sugar, then eggs. Whisk in flour, baking powder and salt until smooth. Stir in vanilla and chocolate chips. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Pour cream cheese mixture over brownie mixture. Spread gently until smooth.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 5 minutes or until center is set. Cool on wire rack to room temperature, about 2 hours. Transfer to refrigerator and continue to cool 2 hours.

6. Topping: Heat jelly in microwave-safe bowl for 15 seconds. Stir in berries. Heat fudge sauce in a glass cup in microwave for 25 seconds, until drizzling consistency.

7. Cut cheesecake brownie into 32 squares. Dollop each square with about 1 tablespoon whipped topping, then some of the strawberries and fudge topping. Sprinkle with nuts, if desired.