If you have a sweet tooth that loves rich chocolate and creamy tangy swirls, this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine fudgy, decadent brownies layered with a luscious cheesecake topping, all marbled beautifully to create a dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cheesecake brownies bring the perfect balance of texture and flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, coming together simply but brilliantly to deliver that classic chewy brownie texture with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer. Let’s dive into the essentials and what each one adds to this irresistible treat.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup melted): Gives the brownies their moist, rich base and helps create that fudgy texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup plus 1/4 cup for cheesecake): Sweetens both layers perfectly without overpowering.
- Large eggs (3 total): Bind everything together while adding a lovely structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon plus 1 teaspoon for cheesecake): Enhances all the flavors with warm aromatic notes.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons for cheesecake): Provides just enough body to keep the brownies dense and the cheesecake layer smooth.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Delivers deep chocolate flavor and the classic dark color everyone craves.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a slight lift so the brownies aren’t too heavy.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Keeps the brownie batter silky and smooth for easy spreading.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, it brings that creamy, tangy contrast against the rich brownie.
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your oven is perfectly hot when your batter is ready to bake. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray — this makes removing your brownies a breeze later on.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy. Now add in your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir everything until just combined, then gently pour in the milk. Your batter should be rich and silky, setting the stage for that decadent brownie texture.
Step 3: Pour the Brownie Batter
Pour the brownie base evenly into your prepared pan. Spread it gently with a spatula so it reaches every corner — this ensures an even thickness and perfect brownie layers once baked.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until it’s super smooth and free of lumps. Add in the remaining egg, vanilla extract, and flour. Continue beating until everything is fully incorporated and creamy — this mixture is what gives your brownies their irresistible tangy creaminess.
Step 5: Combine and Swirl
Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture all over the brownie batter. Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the two layers together gently to create those classic marbled, swirly patterns that make each bite interesting and beautiful. Remember, the swirl doesn’t have to be perfect — the more rustic, the more charming!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean — a few moist crumbs from the cheesecake layer are okay. Remove from the oven and let your masterpiece cool completely in the pan before cutting it into delightful squares.
How to Serve Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These cheesecake brownies are showstoppers on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce really elevates their presentation. Add some fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your cheesecake brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee or espresso. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownie, creating a dessert experience that’s cozy, creamy, and refreshing all at once.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re taking these to a party, consider cutting them into mini squares lined in cupcake wrappers. You might even layer them in a dessert trifle with whipped cream and berries for a stunning presentation that still captures all the flavors of the Cheesecake Brownies Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cheesecake brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or keep them in the fridge for up to a week. Chilling them enhances the cheesecake flavor and firms up the texture, making them easier to slice and eat on the go.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cheesecake brownies, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. Warm brownies bring out their fudgy richness and make each bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this cheesecake brownies recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can work, it may affect the rich creaminess and texture of the cheesecake layer. For the best results, stick to full-fat cream cheese to maintain that luscious, smooth finish.
What if I don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder?
You can substitute with natural cocoa powder if that’s what you have, but avoid sweetened cocoa to keep the balance of sweetness correct. The cocoa powder is key to that intense chocolate flavor in the brownies.
How do I know when the cheesecake brownies are fully baked?
A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs from the cheesecake layer. The brownies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t worry if the center seems a little soft right out of the oven.
Can I make these cheesecake brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. Just make sure your cocoa powder and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free to keep things safe.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips mixed into the brownie batter add a nice crunch and extra bursts of flavor. Just fold them in after combining the dry ingredients for the best distribution.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about combining brownies and cheesecake into one unforgettable dessert, and this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe nails that magic every time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion or just for a cozy night at home. Give it a try, and prepare to have a new favorite treat that’s guaranteed to impress friends, family, and yourself!
Print
Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl, creating a decadent dessert that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for sharing, they offer a delightful balance of chocolate and cheesecake in every bite.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Make the Brownie Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, stirring until just combined. Pour in the milk and stir until the batter is smooth and uniform.
- Spread Brownie Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly across the bottom to create a uniform layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and flour, continuing to mix until the cheesecake mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Add Cheesecake Layer and Swirl: Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing the two layers.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs or cheesecake clinging. This ensures the brownies are fully baked but still moist.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares. This cooling step helps the brownies set properly for clean slicing.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor in the cheesecake layer.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake and brownie batters when swirling to maintain the marbled effect.
- Ensure the brownies cool completely to firm up and make cutting easier.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, consider increasing the cocoa powder by a tablespoon.
