There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, tangy cheesecake. It’s a match made in dessert heaven—one bite, and you get the best of both worlds. These cheesecake brownies are perfect for when you can’t decide between two desserts because they bring together the indulgence of chocolate with the smooth, velvety texture of cheesecake.
This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, especially when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something extra special. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or a midnight craving, these cheesecake brownies always hit the spot. They’re simple to make but taste like they came from a high-end bakery!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The perfect texture – Fudgy brownie base meets creamy cheesecake topping in every bite.
- Easy to make – You don’t need any fancy equipment, just a mixing bowl and a whisk.
- A beautiful swirl effect – The marbled cheesecake layer not only adds flavor but also makes these brownies look stunning.
- Great for any occasion – Whether it’s a potluck, a birthday party, or a cozy night in, these brownies fit every event.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) 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
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold everything together gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your brownies may become too dense. Pour about 3/4 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, setting aside the remaining 1/4 for later.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Now, take the reserved brownie batter and drop small spoonfuls on top of the cheesecake layer.
Using a toothpick or a knife, gently swirl the brownie and cheesecake layers together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl—you want distinct, beautiful swirls, not a blended mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set, but the center might still have a slight jiggle—that’s okay!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best texture, refrigerate them for at least an hour before slicing—this helps the cheesecake layer set perfectly.
Cut into squares and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients – This ensures smooth blending and prevents lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Don’t overmix the batter – Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. Stir until just combined.
- For extra fudginess – Slightly underbake the brownies. They will continue setting as they cool.
- Chill before slicing – Refrigerating for an hour makes for cleaner, neater slices.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular.
- You can add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra indulgent touch.
- Swapping in a gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~230
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
(Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite boxed brownie mix and just focus on making the cheesecake layer from scratch.
How do I store these cheesecake brownies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If stacking, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I freeze cheesecake brownies?
Yes! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Why did my cheesecake layer crack?
Cracking can happen if the cheesecake layer is overbaked or if your oven temperature is too high. To prevent this, avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and bake at the correct temperature.
Related Recipes
If you loved these cheesecake brownies, try these other delicious treats:
Conclusion
Cheesecake brownies are the ultimate dessert when you’re craving something rich, creamy, and chocolaty. They’re easy to make, impressive to serve, and completely irresistible. Whether you enjoy them warm, chilled, or with a scoop of ice cream, they’re sure to be a hit every time.
So, grab your ingredients and start baking—you won’t regret it! Let me know in the comments if you tried this recipe or if you have any fun variations to share. Happy baking!
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Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
Description
There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, tangy cheesecake. It’s a match made in dessert heaven—one bite, and you get the best of both worlds. These cheesecake brownies are perfect for when you can’t decide between two desserts because they bring together the indulgence of chocolate with the smooth, velvety texture of cheesecake.
This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, especially when I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something extra special. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a weekend treat, or a midnight craving, these cheesecake brownies always hit the spot. They’re simple to make but taste like they came from a high-end bakery!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) 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
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Next, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold everything together gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, or your brownies may become too dense. Pour about 3/4 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, setting aside the remaining 1/4 for later.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Now, take the reserved brownie batter and drop small spoonfuls on top of the cheesecake layer.
Using a toothpick or a knife, gently swirl the brownie and cheesecake layers together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl—you want distinct, beautiful swirls, not a blended mixture.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The edges should be set, but the center might still have a slight jiggle—that’s okay!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the best texture, refrigerate them for at least an hour before slicing—this helps the cheesecake layer set perfectly.
Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- If you prefer a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular.
- You can add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra indulgent touch.
- Swapping in a gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free option.