Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars

Fudgy brownie on the bottom, creamy chocolate cheesecake on top, and absolutely no interest in being a sensible dessert.

We have already established that Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate is capable of doing far more than simply sitting next to the kettle.

So this time, we are combining two favourites into one seriously indulgent bake.

These Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars have a rich brownie base topped with a smooth chocolate cheesecake layer, then everything is baked together and chilled before slicing.

They look impressive, taste even better, and are perfect for sharing, gifting, entertaining or quietly keeping in the fridge for yourself.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base

• 100 g butter
• 120 g milk or dark chocolate, roughly chopped
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup cake flour
• ¼ cup Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup chocolate chips, optional

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 250 g cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup icing sugar
• ¼ cup Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate powder
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
• 2 tablespoons fresh cream or milk

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C.

2. Line a small square baking tin with baking paper, leaving a little extra paper hanging over the sides so the finished bars are easier to lift out.

Make the Brownie Base

3. Add the butter and chopped chocolate to a heatproof bowl.

4. Melt gently in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each burst, until smooth.

5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.

6. Stir in the brown sugar.

7. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

8. Add the vanilla essence.

9. Fold in the cake flour, Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate powder and salt.

10. Add the chocolate chips if using.

11. Spread the brownie mixture evenly into the prepared tin.

Make the Rescue Roast® Cheesecake Layer

12. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

13. Add the icing sugar, Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate powder, egg, vanilla essence and fresh cream or milk.

14. Mix until completely smooth and creamy.

15. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer.

16. Spread it gently until the surface is even.

Give It a Swirl

If you would like a marbled finish, reserve a few spoonfuls of the brownie mixture before adding the cheesecake layer.

Drop small spoonfuls over the cheesecake and use the tip of a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two mixtures together.

Do not overdo it.

A few loose swirls look much better than mixing everything into one colour.

Bake

Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes.

The edges should be set while the centre still has a slight wobble.

Do not overbake the cheesecake layer, as it will continue to firm up while cooling.

Allow the tray to cool completely at room temperature.

Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Time to Slice

Once completely chilled, lift the brownie cheesecake from the tin using the baking paper.

Use a sharp knife to cut it into bars or squares.

For neat slices, wipe the knife clean between cuts.

For less neat slices, cut them quickly and start eating.

Both methods are acceptable.

Make Them Extra Chocolatey

There are several ways to turn these into even more serious chocolate bars.

• Add chocolate chips to the brownie layer
• Drizzle melted chocolate over the chilled bars
• Add chocolate shavings on top
• Scatter crushed chocolate biscuits over the cheesecake layer
• Add a little caramel sauce before serving

Hot Chocolate & Marshmallow Cheesecake Bars

For a hot-chocolate-inspired version, scatter a few mini marshmallows over the bars during the final few minutes of baking.

You can also add fresh mini marshmallows after chilling and finish with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

At that point the dessert is showing absolutely no restraint.

Which is exactly the point.

Rescue Roast® Mocha Brownie Cheesecake Bars

For a coffee twist, add approximately 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie mixture.

Or stir a small spoonful of strong Rescue Roast® coffee into the melted chocolate.

The coffee deepens the chocolate flavour and works beautifully with the creamy cheesecake layer.

Perfect for Gifting

Once chilled and sliced, these bars are excellent for gift boxes and treat platters.

They work especially well for:

• Birthdays
• Office treats
• Weekend guests
• Homemade hampers
• Special occasions

Keep them refrigerated until you are ready to serve.

250 g or 500 g?

Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate is available in both 250 g and 500 g bags.

The 250 g bag is perfect for enjoying as a traditional hot chocolate and trying a few recipes from the Rescue Roast® Academy.

But if your Hot Chocolate powder is now becoming mousse, tiramisu, fudge, truffles, lava cakes and brownie cheesecake bars...

The 500 g bag is starting to look less like an option and more like a plan.

Two Desserts. One Very Good Idea.

Brownie.

Cheesecake.

Rescue Roast® Hot Chocolate.

Sometimes combining two good things really is that simple.