Snickers Cheesecake Brownies

Talk about indulgent!! These brownies curb any craving that your sweet tooth throws at you; sweet, salty, creamy, chewy, crunchy...

Tips:

Think ahead- cut down on your preparation time by mixing ingredients while other are cooling; this is a great way to stay ahead of the game.

Chill out - you make ask, why a cold water bath? This is not only good for the brownies (it stops the cooking process so the brownies stay moist), but it prevents the cheesecake from overcooking as well.

Oven Temperature: 400 degrees

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

  Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Cool Time: 20-30 minutes

Servings: 12, 2 inch brownies

1, 13x9 inch pan

12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Cheesecake Layer:
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons confectioners sugar
6-7 Snickers bars (full size), chopped

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2) Grease a 13x9 inch baking pan with shortening. Set aside.

3) Place butter and shortening in a large, microwave safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 1 minute. Stir the mixture and return to the microwave for an additional 30-60 seconds or until melted. 

4) Stir in the cocoa powder and mix until the mixture is smooth. Add in the sugar, vanilla and salt.

5) Add in each egg one at a time, stirring until each is incorporated before adding the next.

6) Stir in the flour and mix by hand until the mixture is smooth and glossy (about 1 minute).

7) Scrape the batter into the pan and spread the batter out evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the brownie pulls away from the sides of pan slightly. 

8) While the brownies are baking, prepare an ice bath. Fill a large roasting pan or the kitchen sink with ices cubes and water 3/4 inch deep .

9) After baking the brownies, remove the pan from the oven and place it in the ice bath. Allow brownies too cool in the water bath for 20-30 minutes (or until cool).

10) In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese, eggs and vanilla. Gradually add the confectioners sugar in with the cream cheese mixture until smooth.. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the cooled brownie layer and bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set in the center.

11) Cool the brownies for 10 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped Snickers over the warm cheesecake and then press them down lightly.

12) Cool completely and cut into squares. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container.