Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Fusion

Decadent cheesecake brownies blend two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this rich, creamy combination.

Layers of fudgy brownie contrast perfectly with tangy cream cheese swirls.

Each bite promises a delightful dance of textures and flavors.

Compact yet indulgent, these bars make any gathering special.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that impresses without complexity.

Whip up this recipe and watch faces light up with pure delight.

What Sets These Cheesecake Brownies Apart

• Create a stunning marbled effect that looks professionally made, guaranteed to wow guests with minimal culinary skills.
• Combines two beloved desserts (brownies and cheesecake) into one irresistible treat that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
• Requires simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it accessible for novice bakers while delivering restaurant-quality results.
• Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or just satisfying a sweet tooth craving with its rich, decadent texture.

Everything You Need for Cheesecake Brownies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure to the brownie layer.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a rich, moist texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the brownie ingredients together.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and dark color to the brownies.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a smooth, dense brownie texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall chocolate flavor with its warm, sweet notes.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy base for the cheesecake swirl.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and helps achieve a creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cheesecake layer.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help with leavening and balancing the flavors in the recipe.
• Vanilla Extract: Complements both the brownie and cheesecake components with its aromatic flavor.

Easy Guide to Baking Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

In a large mixing bowl, melt butter completely.

• Granulated sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Step 3: Whip Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy.

• Powdered sugar
• Sour cream

Mix thoroughly until the filling is silky and free of lumps.

Step 4: Layer and Swirl Batters

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Carefully dollop the cheesecake filling over the brownie layer in random spots.

Top with remaining brownie batter.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns, gently dragging the blade through both batters.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a set edges but slightly soft center.

Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Once cooled, lift out using parchment paper edges and slice into squares.

Brownie Perfection: Cheesecake Brownies Tips

• Use low heat or a double boiler to melt butter gently, preventing burning and ensuring smooth chocolate integration.
• Use a butter knife or skewer to create beautiful marbled patterns, dragging the cheesecake mixture through brownie batter in gentle, curved motions.
• Bring eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, more consistent texture without lumps.
• Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean, perfect square brownie slices that won't stick.
• Let brownies cool completely at room temperature to set properly, allowing flavors to meld and texture to stabilize before cutting into squares.

Storage and Reheating for Cheesecake Brownies

• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual brownie pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes to restore their original soft, decadent texture.

Sweet Pairings for Cheesecake Brownies

• Pair Decadent Dessert Wine: Select a rich, sweet port or late-harvest Riesling that complements the intense chocolate and creamy cheesecake layers.
• Serve Chilled Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth cold brew or espresso that cuts through the richness and enhances the dessert's deep chocolate notes.
• Match Creamy Milk Option: Pour a tall glass of cold whole milk to balance the brownie's intense sweetness and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Elevate with Fruity Accent: Add a small side of raspberry or strawberry coulis to introduce a bright, tangy element that contrasts the dense brownie texture.

Creative Cheesecake Brownie Add-Ins to Try

• Gluten-Free Cheesecake Brownies: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix to create a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, fudgy texture.
• Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and replace cream cheese with cashew-based vegan cream cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Decadent Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, and swap full-fat cream cheese for a reduced-fat version to create a lighter, less caloric dessert.
• Keto-Friendly Brownie Cheesecake: Utilize almond flour, erythritol as a sweetener, and add additional dark chocolate with high cocoa content to keep the carbohydrate count low while maintaining a rich flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for the brownies?

Yes, you can substitute cocoa powder with melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor profile.

• How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a set edges with a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a gluten-free version of these cheesecake brownies.

• Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

You can prepare both the brownie and cheesecake batters in advance and refrigerate them separately for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking.

Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Rich chocolate brownies meet creamy cheesecake in this irresistible dessert fusion. Delicate swirls of tangy cream cheese perfectly complement deep chocolate layers, creating a luxurious treat that delights your senses and satisfies intense sweet cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Cheese Components:

• 1/2 cup (113g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60g) sour cream

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare your baking workspace by positioning the oven rack in the middle and heating to 350F (175C). Generously coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Create the brownie base by melting butter in a large mixing bowl. Whisk in granulated sugar until fully incorporated, then blend in cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Prepare the cheesecake layer by using an electric mixer to whip cream cheese until smooth and free of lumps. Gradually fold in powdered sugar and sour cream, mixing until the filling becomes creamy and well-combined.
4. Distribute approximately half of the rich chocolate brownie batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating a uniform base layer. Carefully drop spoonfuls of the tangy cheesecake mixture over the brownie foundation.
5. Drizzle the remaining brownie batter across the cheesecake dollops, then use a knife or offset spatula to create elegant swirling patterns throughout the surface.
6. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for slightly firm edges with a gentle jiggle in the center, indicating perfect doneness.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature, which helps set the delicate texture and intensify the flavor combinations.

Notes

• Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that maintains rich, decadent flavor.
• Use sugar alternatives like monk fruit or stevia to reduce calorie content and create a lighter dessert option.
• Ensure cream cheese is room temperature to prevent lumpy cheesecake mixture and achieve silky smooth texture.
• Prevent brownie edges from overcooking by lining pan with parchment paper, creating easy removal and even baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg