Decadent, indulgent and swoon-worthy... these Chocolate Almond Cheesecake Brownie Bars with chocolate chunks and crunchy toasted almonds are beyond luscious. The best marbled cheesecake brownies around! 

~Ingredients:

-Cheesecake Layer:  

8 ounces Cream Cheese, room temperature.

6 Tablespoons Sugar.

1 Teaspoon Almond Extract.

2 Tablespoons Cream.

1 Extra - Large Egg.

-Brownie Layer:  

4 ounces Unsweetened Chocolate.

6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter.

1/2 Teaspoon Espresso Powder.*

  2 Extra - Large Eggs.

1 Teaspoon Almond Extract.

1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract.

1/2 Teaspoon Salt.

1 1/4 Cups Sugar.

3/4 Cup + 1 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour.

3/4 Cup Chocolate Chips, divided.

3/4 Cup Sliced Almonds.

~Directions:

-Making the Cheesecake Layer:   

Step 1: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. 

Step 2: Add the sugar, almond extract, cream and egg. 

Step 3: Beat until smooth and set aside.

-Making the Brownie Layer:   

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Line a 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper let some to hang over the side. Set aside. 

Step 5: In a small saucepan, combine the butter and the unsweetened chocolate and heat on medium low heat stirring occasionally until mixture is melted, glossy and smooth. 

Step 6: Stir in the espresso powder until dissolved. Set aside.  

Step 7: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt and sugar and beat for 2 minutes until thick and pale yellow. 

Step 8: Fold in the flour until combined. 

Step 9: Pour the chocolate mixture into the batter and fold it in until completely blended. 

Step 10: Stir in the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. 

Step 11: Spread 2/3 of brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. 

Step 12: Pour the cheesecake layer on top of the brownie layer and spread across the pan. 

Step 13: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer and swirl it into the cheesecake layer.

Step 14: Sprinkle the remaining almonds and chocolate chips over the brownie mixture and bake for 45 minutes or until set. 

Step 15: Remove from the oven and allow to cool for several hours before slicing.

~Recipe Notes:

*The Espresso Powder is optional. You can add it or you can just leave it out.

How to Swirl Cheesecake Brownie Bars:

1) Spread 2/3 of the brownie batter in the prepared baking dish.

2) Top the brownie layer with the cream cheese and spread it over the brownie layer.

3) Drop spoonfuls of the remaining homemade fudge brownie batter over the cheesecake layer and use a knife to drag and swirl the chocolatey batter. Don't over - do it!

4) Top with additional sliced almonds, chocolate chunks and bake.

5) Be sure to use a cake tester to check for doneness before pulling the marbled cheesecake brownies out of the oven and test in several spots to ensure that the brownie layer only has a few crumbs or chocolate chip streaks - if you see wet batter, it needs more time.

Enjoy!

Please leave us a picture in the comments below if you make it or have any questions!

XoXo Hannah and Hailey :)