Description
Indulgent dark chocolate cheesecake brownies blend rich cocoa with creamy cheesecake swirls, creating a dessert that dances between intense chocolate and silky cream. One bite whisks you through layers of decadent flavor, promising pure bliss with each luxurious forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
Dry Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup (80 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet and Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8″ baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring overhanging edges for easy brownie removal.
- Create the brownie base by melting dark chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler until completely smooth and glossy. Incorporate sugar thoroughly, then add eggs individually, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract carefully.
- Gently fold flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the chocolate mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a rich, fudgy texture.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese and sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. Introduce egg and vanilla extract, mixing until perfectly integrated.
- Distribute approximately three-quarters of the brownie batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating a uniform base layer. Strategically place dollops of cheesecake mixture over the brownie foundation.
- Scatter remaining brownie batter in small spoonfuls across the cheesecake layer, creating an artistic pattern.
- Using a knife or skewer, delicately swirl the two batters together, generating a beautiful marbled effect without overblending and losing distinct patterns.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly jiggly center, which indicates perfect moisture retention.
- Remove from oven and allow complete cooling at room temperature, then refrigerate for minimum 2 hours to enhance flavor and texture.
- Slice into squares using a sharp knife rinsed with hot water between cuts for clean, precise edges.
Notes
- Chocolate Selection Matters Choose high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for rich, deep flavor without overwhelming bitterness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature to create smoother, more consistent batter with fewer lumps.
- Swirling Technique Use gentle figure-eight motions when creating marbled effect to maintain distinct color and texture boundaries without completely blending layers.
- Make Ahead Friendly These brownies actually taste better after chilling overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become more dense and fudgy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg