Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Cheesecake brownies represent the ultimate dessert mashup that revamps ordinary baking into a culinary adventure.

Sweet and tangy cream cheese swirls through dense chocolate batter, creating mesmerizing patterns of deliciousness.

Rich chocolate provides a robust foundation for the silky, luxurious cheesecake layer that dances across your palate.

Contrasting textures and complementary flavors make this dessert a true showstopper at any gathering.

Complex yet surprisingly simple, these brownies elevate a classic treat into something extraordinary.

The magic happens when two beloved desserts merge into one irresistible creation that beckons with its decadent allure.

Prepare to revamp your dessert game with a treat that promises pure indulgence.

Tips for Perfecting Cheesecake Brownies Every Time

  • Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
  • Swirl with Precision: Use a knife or toothpick to create beautiful marbled patterns by gently dragging the cheesecake and brownie batters together.
  • Prevent Overbaking: Check brownies early and remove when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick to maintain a rich, fudgy texture.
  • Line Pan Carefully: Extend parchment paper slightly over the pan edges for easy removal and clean cutting of brownies.
  • Chill for Cleaner Cuts: Refrigerate brownies for 1-2 hours before slicing to get crisp, neat squares without crumbling.

Keeping Cheesecake Brownies Fresh for Longer

  • Refrigeration: Store cheesecake brownies in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, keeping the brownies fresh and delicious.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Reheating: Warm brownies gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on a low power setting. For a crisp exterior, use a toaster oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving to maintain their rich, fudgy texture.

Enjoy Cheesecake Brownies with These Sweet Treats

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which balances the dessert's sweetness and cuts through its decadence.
  • Serve with Espresso Shots: Intensify the chocolate notes by offering small espresso shots alongside the brownies, creating a classic Italian-style dessert experience that highlights the deep cocoa flavors.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top each brownie slice with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, adding a cool, creamy contrast that enhances the warm, fudgy texture of the dessert.
  • Garnish with Fresh Berries: Scatter some fresh raspberries or strawberries around the plate, providing a tart and bright element that cuts through the brownie's richness and adds a refreshing touch.

Get Creative with Cheesecake Brownies

  • Nutty Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added crunch and rich flavor. Sprinkle extra nuts on top before baking for a delightful texture contrast.
  • Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies: Blend fresh raspberries into the cheesecake layer and create beautiful swirls using a knife. The tangy fruit complements the rich chocolate perfectly.
  • Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownies: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer before baking. The sweet and salty combination elevates the classic brownie recipe to a gourmet dessert.
  • Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies: Mix creamy peanut butter into the cheesecake layer and create marbled patterns throughout the brownies. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups on top for extra indulgence.

Cheesecake Brownies: A Decadent Twist on Classic Brownies

  • Swirl and Savor: The marbled cheesecake and brownie layers create a stunning visual and flavor explosion that makes each bite a delightful surprise.
  • Decadent Dual Delight: Combines rich, fudgy chocolate brownie with creamy, tangy cheesecake for a perfect balance of textures and complementary flavors.
  • Quick and Easy Indulgence: Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients, this dessert is perfect for last-minute sweet cravings or impromptu gatherings.

What You’ll Need for Cheesecake Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate: Rich, dark chocolate gives deep flavor and creates fudgy texture.
  • Butter: Adds moisture and helps create smooth, tender brownie base.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with brownies caramelization and structure.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to rich, dense brownie texture.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and adds depth to brownie base.
  • Cornstarch: Helps create tender, soft brownie texture.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts throughout the brownie.
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, creamy swirl with smooth, rich texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer and balances cream cheese tang.
  • Egg: Helps set and stabilize the cheesecake portion.
  • Vanilla: Adds subtle aromatic sweetness to cheesecake swirl.

How to Make the Best Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch baking pan with cooking spray and line with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Brownie Base

Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Whisk in:
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition.

Step 3: Finish Brownie Batter

Sift and fold in:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

Gently stir in mini chocolate chips.

Step 4: Layer the Brownie Mixture

Pour 2/3 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Step 5: Prepare Cheesecake Topping

In a separate bowl, beat together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer.

Step 6: Add Final Brownie Layer

Drizzle remaining brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer, creating a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use parchment paper to lift out, cut into squares, and serve.

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Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies merge rich chocolate layers with creamy cheesecake swirls for an irresistible dessert experience. Chocolate lovers will devour these heavenly bars that blend classic brownie intensity with silky cheesecake perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 6 tablespoons (85 grams) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Dry Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ⅓ cup (40 grams) cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (170 grams) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9-inch (23-centimeter) square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage and a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Create the chocolate base by melting dark chocolate and unsalted butter together in the microwave, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
  3. Incorporate granulated sugar and pure vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly until well combined.
  4. Gradually add large eggs to the chocolate mixture, blending one at a time and ensuring complete integration after each addition.
  5. Sift cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt directly into the chocolate mixture, folding gently until a uniform batter forms without overmixing.
  6. Fold mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  7. Transfer approximately two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
  8. Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese, additional sugar, a single egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  9. Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the initial brownie layer, creating a distinct marbled effect.
  10. Drizzle the remaining brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer, using a knife to create subtle swirls.
  11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
  12. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into square portions.
  13. Slice into even squares and serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Drizzle remaining batter creates stunning marbled swirls that catch everyone’s eye.
  • Rich chocolate base ensures each bite delivers deep, intense flavor throughout the dessert.
  • Cream cheese layer adds luxurious tangy smoothness that perfectly balances brownie’s intensity.
  • Mini chocolate chips scatter unexpected bursts of delightful crunch inside chocolatey mixture.
  • Cornstarch helps maintain ultra-fudgy texture, preventing dry or crumbly brownies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 440 kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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