If you love rich, fudgy chocolate combined with the smooth, tangy creaminess of cheesecake, then this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert obsession. It masterfully blends the best of both worlds — a dense, chocolatey base with swirls of luscious cheesecake — creating an irresistible treat that’s perfect for sharing (or savoring all by yourself). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a cozy night in, these cheesecake brownies are sure to wow your taste buds and impress everyone lucky enough to try them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this cheesecake brownies recipe lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether adding depth of flavor, creating that perfect fudgy texture, or contributing to the creamy swirls that make these brownies stand out.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: This provides a rich, silky base and keeps your brownies wonderfully moist.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownie layer perfectly without overpowering the chocolate.
- 2 large eggs: These help bind ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate’s aroma and the overall flavor of the brownies.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the deep chocolate magic begins for fudgy, intense flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure without making the brownies cakey.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the brownies rise just enough for the perfect texture.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Creates that signature creamy cheesecake layer that’s pure indulgence.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer gently for just the right tang.
- 1 large egg: Adds creaminess and binds the cheesecake mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Gives the cheesecake layer a lovely depth of flavor to complement the chocolate.
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light grease. This step ensures your brownies come out cleanly and are easy to lift from the pan once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is smooth and glossy. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, and gently fold the mixture until just combined — over-mixing here can make your brownies less tender, so keep it light.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Grab another bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and velvety. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix again until silky and creamy without any lumps. This luscious mixture will create that stunning cheesecake swirl.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
Pour about two-thirds of your chocolate brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Next, carefully spread the cheesecake mixture on top, making sure it’s smooth and level. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer, then take a knife or toothpick and swirl gently across the surface to create those gorgeous, marbled patterns.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your assembled masterpiece into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs — you want them fudgy, not dry. Once baked, allow them to cool completely in the dish, which helps the layers set beautifully before slicing.
How to Serve Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these cheesecake brownies even more irresistible, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also bring a lovely tart balance and a pop of color that’s just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to take the indulgence to the next level. A cup of strong coffee or espresso pairs beautifully with the richness, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests even more? Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve on a platter with individual dollops of berry coulis or caramel sauce. Alternatively, stack a few with some ice cream in between for a decadent brownie sandwich that’s sure to be a party hit.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cheesecake brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated where they will stay fresh for up to a week — just bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
These brownies freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To warm up your cheesecake brownies, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This gentle reheating revives that melt-in-your-mouth texture without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this cheesecake brownies recipe?
While you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, the texture and richness may be slightly less creamy. For the best fudgy and smooth results, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder?
Using cocoa powder ensures a deep, even chocolate flavor and fudgy texture. You could add chocolate chips for extra chocolate bursts, but they shouldn’t replace the cocoa powder entirely.
How can I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?
Beating the cream cheese thoroughly and mixing gently helps prevent cracks. Also, don’t overbake; removing the brownies when a few moist crumbs stick to a toothpick helps maintain a moist, crack-free cheesecake layer.
What’s the best way to get those beautiful cheesecake swirls?
Dolloping spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer and swirling lightly with a knife or toothpick just a few times will create gorgeous marbled patterns. Be careful not to over-swirl, or the layers may blend too much.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about the perfect combination of chocolate and cheesecake, and this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe captures that magic flawlessly. If you want a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is delicious to eat, this recipe is your ticket to brownie bliss. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent treat combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer swirled on top. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a delightful blend of chocolate and tangy cream cheese in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and 1 cup sugar until well combined. Add the eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour two-thirds of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer, then swirl gently with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies moist and fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the baking dish to set properly. Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares. Serve and enjoy this delicious combination of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate brownies.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Use parchment paper in the baking dish for easy removal and clean edges.
- Swirling the brownie and cheesecake batter just enough creates a beautiful marbled pattern.
- Do not overbake to keep brownies moist and fudgy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
