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Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies

pan of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies

In the last few years, I’ve become a fan of plain brownies. I hesitate to use the word “plain,” as they are anything but that. I simply mean that I like to whip up a batch of fudgy brownies with no nuts or other additions whenever I get a big chocolate craving.

But there are times when I really want to go all out and make some over the top brownies. That’s when things like Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies happen.

It all starts with an extra fudgy brownie. That’s then topped with a sweet cheesecake filling flavored with dulce de leche. Then top that with even more brownie batter, and give it a swirl before baking. They are, in a word, amazing!

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies are extra fudgy brownies with a swirl of cheesecake filling flavored with dulce de leche. Absolutely fantastic! - Bake or Break

I don’t really need an excuse to bake brownies, but I made these brownies for a very good reason. This year, I am once again participating in OXO’s campaign for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer.

Be on the lookout this month for cookies, brownies, and cupcakes from my fellow food bloggers. OXO is donating $100 for each food blogger who posts a recipe for the campaign this month. If you use social media, look for #OXOGoodCookies to see everyone’s sweet creations. And also look for OXO products marked with special Cookies for Kids’ Cancer stickers, as they will donate a portion of the proceeds for each product sold. All together, OXO will donate up to $100,000 through product proceeds, bake sale matches, and other fundraising efforts.

Great brownies and a great cause!

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies

Yield 24 2-inch brownies
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes

Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies are extra fudgy brownies with a swirl of cheesecake filling flavored with dulce de leche.

pan of Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

For the brownies:

  • 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the filling:

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup dulce de leche
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

To make the brownies:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9"x 13"x 2" baking pan.
  2. Place the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at half power in 30-second increments until the butter has melted and the chocolate melts when stirred. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, and mix until thoroughly combined. Add the flour and salt, and mix just until combined.
  4. Transfer about half of the brownie batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly.

To make the filling:

  1. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese, dulce de leche, and egg until thoroughly combined and smooth. Pour on top the brownie batter in the pan. Spread evenly, leaving about 1/4" margin around the edges.
  2. Drop the remaining brownie batter over the filling. Use a thin knife to swirl the batter into the filling. Or just gently spread the brownie batter over the top of the filling to cover it as much as possible.*
  3. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

*The brownie batter is a bit on the thick side, so you won't get an elaborate swirl effect. I find that the thin knife swirling technique does help spread the top layer of brownie batter quite well, although an offset spatula will work if you want to skip the swirling.

Show off your baking masterpiece!

Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. Can't wait to see your creation!

OXO was kind enough to send some brownie baking tools my way. You can see all of their products on their site. All opinions written are my own.

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    5 Comments on “Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies”

  1. At first I thought these were plain brownies too, and then I saw the middle layer, amazing!!!

  2. Those look wonderfully over-the-top! Dulce de leche is a favorite of mine, I’m sure it works amazingly in these bars 🙂

  3. Wow!  That’s really all I can say to describe these soft, dense, INTENSE brownies!  I made them for a friend for her birthday.  She loves cheesecake and so does her boyfriend, as well as chocolate.  What a perfect way to get both.  Both of them had five servings at her party.  Thanks for another killer recipe!

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