These Fudgy Gooey Brownie Bars are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich chocolate brownies, a creamy cheesecake layer, gooey marshmallows, and melty chocolate chunks. They’re decadent, fun, and perfect for anyone who loves their desserts extra rich and irresistible.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s everything you want in a brownie and more. The fudgy base delivers intense chocolate flavor, the cheesecake swirl adds creamy tang, the marshmallows bring soft gooeyness, and the chocolate chunks melt into pockets of pure bliss. Every bite is a party of textures and flavors.

Fudgy Gooey Brownie Bars

There are desserts that satisfy, and then there are desserts that stop you in your tracks. These Fudgy Gooey Brownie Bars belong firmly in the second category. They combine the best elements of brownies, cheesecake, and s’mores into one over-the-top treat that feels indulgent, comforting, and a little bit playful.

At the foundation is the brownie itself. Rich, fudgy, and deeply chocolatey, it sets the stage for everything else. Using a trusted boxed brownie mix keeps things simple, but the magic happens in the layering and finishing touches. The result is something that looks impressive without requiring hours in the kitchen.

On top of the brownie batter goes a cheesecake layer, smooth and creamy with a subtle tang. It cuts through the richness of the chocolate while adding an extra dimension of flavor. Together, the combination of fudgy brownie and silky cheesecake feels like two desserts merged into one.

The marshmallows are where the fun begins. As they bake, they puff up into golden clouds of gooey sweetness. Their lightness balances the density of the brownie, while their caramelized edges add depth and texture. Each bite delivers that unmistakable marshmallow pull, soft and stretchy, that kids and adults alike can’t resist.

Then comes the chocolate chunks. Unlike the smooth base of the brownie, these larger pieces provide bursts of melted chocolate scattered throughout. They melt just enough in the oven to create pockets of molten richness, ensuring every square is dotted with extra indulgence.

The layering process is straightforward yet transformative. Brownie batter forms the base, cheesecake spreads across as a silky layer, then marshmallows and chocolate are scattered on top for the final touch. When baked together, the layers fuse yet remain distinct, creating a dessert that’s complex in flavor and texture.

Part of what makes these brownie bars special is their playfulness. They’re not refined or minimalist—they’re decadent and unapologetic. Every component adds to the richness, making them a treat you savor slowly, bite by bite.

These bars are also wonderfully versatile. They work as an afternoon snack, a party dessert, or the centerpiece of a dessert platter. Their gooey topping makes them eye-catching, and their layered flavor makes them universally loved.

There’s also a nostalgic quality here. The marshmallows echo childhood s’mores, while the brownies and cheesecake bring a more grown-up indulgence. Together, they bridge generations, making them perfect for gatherings where everyone at the table will find something to love.

Another advantage is that they cut neatly into bars, making them easy to portion and share. A 13×9-inch pan yields plenty for a crowd, but the richness means even small squares feel satisfying. It’s a recipe that stretches far without sacrificing indulgence.

They’re also surprisingly easy to make ahead. Once cooled, the bars hold up beautifully, and their flavors deepen as they rest. In fact, cutting them the next day often makes for cleaner slices and even gooier texture in the marshmallows.

Their contrast of textures is what keeps them so addictive. The brownie is dense and chewy, the cheesecake is creamy, the marshmallows are soft and sticky, and the chocolate chunks melt into pockets of smoothness. Each bite feels like a little surprise.

This recipe also invites creativity. You could swap in peanut butter chips, caramel drizzle, or even crushed cookies on top for extra flair. The base recipe is already indulgent, but it leaves room for personalization.

In the end, these Fudgy Gooey Brownie Bars are about more than just dessert—they’re about joy. They remind us that food can be playful, rich, and fun, and that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that bring a smile with every messy, delicious bite.

Servings

• Yield: 16 bars

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 40 minutes

• Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Pillsbury fudge brownie mix + ingredients called for on the box (oil, water, eggs)

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature

• ¼ cup butter, room temperature

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2–3 cups mini marshmallows

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy.

3. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until smooth. Stir in flour just until combined. Set aside.

4. In a separate bowl, prepare the brownie mix with oil, water, and eggs as directed on the box.

5. Spread brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

6. Spoon cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and spread into a thin layer.

7. Bake for 30 minutes.

8. Remove from oven and scatter marshmallows and chocolate chunks over the top.

9. Return to oven and bake for 5–10 minutes, until marshmallows are puffed and chocolate is melted.

10. Cool completely before slicing with a wet knife, cleaning the blade between cuts.

Tips

• Neat cuts: Chill the bars for 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner edges.

• Extra gooeyness: Add a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce over the top just before serving.

• Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a firmer texture.