Description
These easy fudgy dessert bars combine rich chocolate brownies with a tangy lemon cheesecake swirl and juicy blueberries. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a weeknight treat, they’re crowd-pleasing, beautiful, and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 medium lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen, no need to thaw)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Extra lemon zest for garnish (optional)
- 1/3 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for brownie batter)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until glossy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking well.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth out evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat until creamy and no lumps remain.
- Dollop spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl together.
- Scatter blueberries evenly over the top, pressing in gently so they’re partly submerged.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, checking at 30 minutes. Edges should be set, center just slightly jiggly. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let brownies cool in the pan for at least 1 hour (or chill for 30 minutes in the fridge for neater slicing).
- Lift brownies out using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with extra lemon zest if desired.
Notes
For gluten-free brownies, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Dairy-free adaptations work with plant-based butter and vegan cream cheese. Brownies freeze well for up to 2 months. Let cool before slicing for neat squares. Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness or swap berries for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square (1/16 of pan)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: lemon blueberry cheesecake brownies, fudgy brownies, dessert bars, easy brownies, lemon dessert, blueberry dessert, cheesecake brownies, summer dessert, potluck dessert