Step into the world of indulgence with these Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies! This decadent dessert is a fusion of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and the irresistible smokiness of bacon, all drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. Get ready to dive into a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
These Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the ultimate comfort food and a crowd-pleasing showstopper. The combination of velvety chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and the irresistible crunch of bacon creates a lush and indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The maple glaze adds a touch of warmth and brightness, tying all the flavors together in a delightful harmony. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weekend baking project or a festive dessert to impress your guests, these brownies are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
To make these Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including chocolate, cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and of course, crispy bacon. The full list of ingredients can be found in the recipe below, but the combination of these elements creates a rich, creamy, and smoky-sweet masterpiece.
- 8 oz – Milk chocolate, chopped
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup – Granulated sugar
- 1 tsp – Vanilla extract
- 6 slices – Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chocolate: Use dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor (works great for chocolate lovers).
- Dairy-free: Substitute non-dairy cream cheese and vegan chocolate chips for a dairy-free option.
How to Make Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
To create these indulgent brownies, follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing an 8×8-inch baking pan. Next, cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then crumble it and set it aside. In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Melt the chocolate and butter together, then whisk in the eggs and sugar to create a lush, fudgy batter. Spread half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan, then dollop the cheesecake mixture on top and swirl it in with a knife. Top with the remaining chocolate batter and gently smooth the surface.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the brownies, then bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set. Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the maple glaze.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Prepare the maple glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies and let it set before slicing and serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Indulgence: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cheesecake mixture for a crunchy twist.
- Bacon Upgrade: Use applewood-smoked or maple-cured bacon to enhance the smoky-sweet flavors.
- Cheesecake Boost: Increase the amount of cream cheese for a more pronounced cheesecake flavor.
- Festive Touch: Sprinkle the brownies with crushed peppermint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a holiday-inspired look.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage: Store the Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw the brownies at room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead: These brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These decadent brownies are a treat, but they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a satisfying dose of chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and savory bacon, all drizzled with a touch of maple sweetness.
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for milk chocolate, you can experiment with dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
How can I get the perfect swirl pattern?
To achieve the perfect swirl, gently dollop the cheesecake mixture over the chocolate batter and use a knife or toothpick to create a swirling motion, being careful not to overmix.
Can I use vegetarian or vegan bacon?
Yes, you can substitute the regular bacon with a plant-based alternative to make these brownies vegetarian or vegan-friendly.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The brownies are done when the center is just set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
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Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Maple Bacon Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the ultimate sweet and savory treat, combining rich chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirled with maple and crispy bacon. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
Optional: extra bacon for topping
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
7. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and maple syrup, and mix until creamy.
8. Fold in the crumbled bacon into the cream cheese mixture.
9. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
10. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
11. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter.
12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
13. Allow to cool before cutting into squares. Optionally, top with extra crumbled bacon before serving.
14.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These brownies are best served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: brownies, cheesecake, maple, bacon