If you have a soft spot for rich, chewy desserts that combine the best of two worlds, then this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine the dense, buttery goodness of blondies pairing perfectly with a creamy cheesecake layer, all studded with pockets of melty chocolate chips. It’s such a delightful treat that offers a perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and chocolaty, making every bite absolutely unforgettable. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to fly off your plate faster than you can say “yum.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may sound straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color in your blondies. From the gluten-free flour blend that forms your chewy base to the creamy cream cheese that makes the cheesecake layer dreamy, every component enhances the final masterpiece.
- 1 ⅓ cups (187 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend: Provides the structure while keeping the blondies tender and chewy.
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum: Adds elasticity and tenderness; skip if your gluten-free blend already contains it.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda: Offers mild leavening to help the blondies rise slightly without losing density.
- 1 ¼ cups (273 g) packed light brown sugar: Brings moisture and a deep caramel undertone to the blondies.
- 8 tablespoons (112 g) unsalted butter, room temperature: Creates a rich, buttery base that melts perfectly in your mouth.
- 2 eggs + 1 egg white, room temperature: Provide structure and tenderness while keeping the blondies from becoming cakey.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aroma, amplifying all the other flavors.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature: The star of the cheesecake layer, delivering that silky, smooth texture.
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens and blends seamlessly into the cheesecake batter.
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds an extra hint of flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt: Improves the depth of flavor in the cheesecake layer.
- 1 egg, room temperature: Helps the cheesecake layer firm up while staying luscious.
- 4 ounces miniature chocolate chips: Speckle throughout for delightful bursts of melty chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9-inch square baking pan with greased aluminum foil. This step is key to preventing any sticking and ensuring easy removal of the blondies when they’re done. Setting yourself up with the right tools from the beginning always makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Blondie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour blend, xanthan gum, salt, and baking soda until fully combined. Then fold in the packed light brown sugar, breaking up any clumps for a consistent mixture. Create a well in the center and add softened butter, beaten eggs, egg white, and vanilla. Mixing these together creates the thick, sticky blondie batter that forms the rich, chewy base everyone loves.
Step 3: Bake the Blondie Base
Transfer about half of the blondie batter to your prepared pan, using a moistened knife or spatula to spread it evenly. Bake this layer for 10 minutes—this quick initial bake sets the crust just enough to support the cheesecake layer without becoming too firm. While it bakes, your kitchen will fill up with a warm, buttery aroma that will have you eager to move on to the next step!
Step 4: Lower Oven Temperature and Prep for Cheesecake Layer
Once the blondie base is done, reduce your oven temperature to 300°F. Place a pan filled with room temperature tap water on the bottom rack to create a gentle steam environment. This water bath helps the cheesecake layer cook evenly and stay wonderfully creamy without cracking.
Step 5: Whip Up the Cheesecake Batter
Using a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy for a silky texture. Add granulated sugar, vanilla, and salt, blending until smooth and well incorporated. Then add the egg and mix just until combined. Gently fold in most of the mini chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top later. This luscious cheesecake batter is what takes these blondies to the next level of decadence.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake the Blondies
Pour the cheesecake layer over the parbaked blondie crust and spread it evenly. Drop the remaining blondie batter in dollops over the cheesecake and carefully spread it out as much as possible. Don’t worry if the layers mix a little—that beautiful marbling is part of the charm. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, then bake the whole thing at 300°F for about 50 minutes, or until the top looks set and no longer jiggles easily.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow your blondies to cool completely in the pan to let the layers set perfectly. Use a sharp, wet knife to slice into 9 equal bars. Whether you serve them chilled for a firmer bite, or at room temperature for a softer texture, these blondies shine every way you enjoy them.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar can elevate these blondies visually and add a touch of extra sweetness. If you’re feeling festive, a drizzle of melted chocolate or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts adds texture and a pop of flavor. Fresh berries also pair beautifully by lending a subtle fruitiness that complements the rich cream cheese and chocolate.
Side Dishes
Serve these blondies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combo that melts in your mouth. A cup of freshly brewed coffee or a creamy latte balances the sweetness and rounds out the dessert experience. Alternatively, a dollop of whipped cream and some fresh mint leaves can brighten the plate and delight your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the blondies into mini towers for a whimsical dessert centerpiece, or cut them into bite-sized squares and serve on decorative trays at a party. You can also sandwich a layer of frosting or homemade caramel between two blondie bars for a show-stopping treat. The playful marbling of cheesecake and blondie layers makes for a conversation-worthy presentation that’s as pretty as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’re going to wish leftovers lasted longer, but if you have some, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 4 days while retaining their creamy and chewy qualities.
Freezing
These blondies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies Recipe anytime a craving hits without the fuss of baking from scratch.
Reheating
For best results, thaw frozen blondies overnight in the fridge. Warm them briefly in the microwave or a low oven just until slightly heated—but be careful not to overheat, so the cheesecake layer remains creamy and luscious. Eating them cold or at room temperature is also delicious if you prefer.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with regular flour instead of gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the gluten-free flour blend with regular all-purpose flour using the same measurements. The texture may be slightly different, but these blondies will still be rich and chewy.
What if I don’t have xanthan gum?
If your gluten-free flour blend already contains xanthan gum, you can skip adding extra. Otherwise, it helps provide structure and chewiness, so it’s recommended unless your recipe is designed differently.
Can I use full-size chocolate chips instead of mini ones?
Yes, you can use full-size chocolate chips, but mini chips are preferable because they distribute more evenly throughout the batter, giving you chocolate in every single bite.
Why do I need to put a pan of water in the oven?
The water creates steam which helps keep the cheesecake layer moist and prevents it from cracking, resulting in a beautiful, creamy texture.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
You can double it, but make sure to use a larger pan and adjust the baking times accordingly. It’s best to keep an eye on the blondies and use the jiggle test to determine doneness.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of sharing a treat as unique and delicious as this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies Recipe. With the blend of chewy blondie, creamy cheesecake, and rich chocolate chips, it’s a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser with a twist or a personal reward at the end of the day, this recipe is an absolute winner you’ll come back to again and again.
PrintChocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies Recipe
These Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Blondies combine the chewy texture of blondies with a creamy cheesecake layer, creating a decadent dessert bar layered with miniature chocolate chips for added sweetness and texture. Perfectly baked to a soft finish, they are ideal for serving chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Blondie Layer
- 1 ⅓ cups (187 g) all purpose gluten free flour blend (Better Batter recommended)
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if blend contains it)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ¼ cups (273 g) packed light brown sugar
- 8 tablespoons (112 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 eggs (100 g weighed out of shell), room temperature, beaten
- 1 egg white (25 g), room temperature, beaten
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 egg (50 g weighed out of shell), room temperature
- 4 ounces miniature chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease and line a 9-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil; set aside.
- Make Blondie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together gluten free flour blend, xanthan gum, kosher salt, and baking soda. Add brown sugar and mix to incorporate, breaking up any clumps. Create a well in the center, add softened butter, beaten eggs, egg white, and vanilla. Mix until combined into a thick, sticky batter.
- Parbake Blondie Layer: Transfer half of the blondie batter evenly into the prepared pan using a moistened spatula. Bake at 325°F for 10 minutes until mostly set. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
- Adjust Oven and Prepare Water Bath: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F. Place a pan filled with room temperature tap water on the lowest oven rack to create moisture for the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Batter: In a clean bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, and beat until smooth. Add egg and mix until just combined. Fold in most of the miniature chocolate chips, reserving some for topping.
- Assemble Layers: Pour cheesecake batter over the partially baked blondie layer and spread evenly with a spatula. Dollop remaining blondie batter in scoops over the cheesecake layer and gently spread to cover as evenly as possible, allowing some mixing of layers.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle reserved miniature chocolate chips on top. Bake at 300°F for about 50 minutes until the top is mostly set and jiggles only slightly when shaken. The surface will not be completely firm.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and cool completely in pan. Once cooled, lift blondies out using foil and slice into 9 equal bars with a sharp wet knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Wrap leftovers tightly and freeze if desired.
Notes
- Use a gluten free flour blend with or without xanthan gum depending on the blend.
- Ensuring all eggs and butter are at room temperature helps the batter combine more smoothly.
- The water bath creates a moist environment to prevent cracking in the cheesecake layer.
- The blondie batter will be very thick; spreading with a moistened spatula prevents sticking.
- Chilling the bars enhances the texture and flavors.
- Store any leftovers wrapped tightly in the freezer for best preservation.