Fudgy Brownie Cheesecake Bars

INGREDIENTS

• Crust:
• 1 box fudge brownie mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup water
• Filling:
• 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 eggs
• Topping:
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cups heavy cream

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 325º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Make brownie batter as directed on box for cake-like brownies. Measure out 1/2 cup batter, then set aside, covered, and refrigerate for later use.
3. Pour remaining batter in bottom of greased baking dish. Place in oven and bake 22-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes.
4. In a large bowl or mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, reserved cake batter, 2 tablespoons heavy cream and vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, waiting until each is incorporated before adding the next, then pour filling over cooled brownie crust.
6. Return baking dish to oven and cook for another 26-28 minutes, or until center of filling is just set. Remove from oven and let cool.
7. Combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwaveable bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and then microwave for another 30 seconds, or until smooth and melted.
8. Pour melted chocolate over cooled filling and refrigerate until set. 3-4 hours, or overnight.
9. When ready to serve, slice into bars and enjo