Indulge in Cheesecake Brownies: A Decadent Delight

Cheesecake brownies are the ultimate dessert dream team, merging rich chocolatey goodness with creamy cheesecake in a delightful dance of flavors. Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie, only to be surprised and delighted by a luscious layer of smooth cheesecake that melts in your mouth.

Every time I whip up these decadent treats, I’m transported back to my grandma’s kitchen, where she would bake for the holidays. The aroma of chocolate and cream cheese wafting through the air, accompanied by laughter and chatter from family, always made those moments unforgettable. These cheesecake brownies are perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a surprise treat for your best friend’s birthday.

My friends can’t get enough of these cheesecake brownies; they always ask for seconds—and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor; Dutch-processed adds richness.

• Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar will do; it adds sweetness to both layers of the brownie.

• Butter: Unsalted butter is best, as it lets you control the saltiness of your brownies.

• Eggs: Fresh eggs provide structure and moisture; room temperature eggs mix better.

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it to remove lumps before adding.

• Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for that rich, creamy texture we crave.

• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor; avoid imitation if possible for best results.

• Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese layer and helps create that smooth texture.

• Chocolate Chips (Optional): Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be added for extra indulgence in the brownie layer.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cheesecake Brownies

Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper.

Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, melt butter and cocoa powder together until smooth. Stir in granulated sugar until well combined and shiny.

Add Eggs and Flour: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gently fold in flour until just combined; avoid overmixing for fudgy texture.

Create the Cheesecake Mixture: In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fluffy without lumps.

Combine Layers and Swirl Together: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of cheesecake mixture over it and swirl gently using a knife or skewer.

Bake to Perfection: Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Let cool before cutting into squares.

Enjoy these delightful cheesecake brownies warm or chilled—either way, they’re guaranteed to be a hit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare your brownie batter first, pour half into the pan, then mix up the cheesecake layer and spread it on top before adding the remaining brownie batter.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize these brownies by adding chocolate chips or nuts in the brownie layer. You can also swap vanilla extract for almond extract in the cheesecake mix for a unique flavor twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For reheating, microwave a piece on low power for about 10-15 seconds to maintain its deliciousness.

Cooking these decadent cheesecake brownies always brings me back to family gatherings where everyone fights over the last piece. The smiles and satisfied nods are worth every minute spent baking.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Absolutely! Dark or milk chocolate can both create delicious variations of cheesecake brownies.

How do I know when my brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I freeze cheesecake brownies?

Yes! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to three months for future indulgence.

Print

Cheesecake Brownies

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Cheesecake brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a velvety cheesecake layer, creating an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. These luscious treats are not only visually stunning with their marbled top but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply indulging after a long day, these brownies will leave everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 8 oz full-fat cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, melt butter and cocoa powder together until smooth; stir in granulated sugar until combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then gently fold in flour.
4. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla.
5. Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan, dollop cheesecake mixture on top, and swirl gently with a knife.
6. Pour remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
7. Allow cooling before slicing into squares.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 square (50g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: For an extra treat, add chocolate chips to the brownie layer or substitute almond extract for vanilla in the cheesecake mix. Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending and avoid overbaking for that desired fudgy center.