Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

If you’re a fan of irresistible desserts that marry the fudgy richness of brownies with the creamy tang of cheesecake, these Cheesecake Brownies are about to be your new obsession. Swirls of luscious cheesecake weave their way through decadent chocolate, making each bite a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesecake Brownies lies in using everyday, quality ingredients that each play a starring role. Every component adds to the texture—super fudgy chocolate, velvety cheesecake, and that shiny, crackly top make these brownies completely irresistible.

• Dark chocolate (135g, around 72%): Delivers deep cocoa flavor and that classic, slightly bitter edge that balances the cheesecake.
• Unsalted butter (120g, cold): Adds richness and makes the brownies melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Dutch-process or unsweetened cocoa (10g, sifted): Enhances the chocolatey depth and keeps things beautifully dark.
• Large eggs (2 for brownie, 1 for cheesecake): Essential for structure, helping each layer hold together with just the right amount of fudge and creaminess.
• Caster sugar (135g for brownie, 60g for cheesecake): Dissolves easily for a glossy top and smooth cheesecake; granulated works in a pinch.
• Light or dark brown sugar (65g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note to the brownie base.
• Salt (¼ tsp): Makes all the other flavors pop—don’t skip it!
• Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (¼ tsp for brownie, ¼ tsp optional for cheesecake): Lends lovely aromatics to both layers.
• All-purpose flour (65g, sifted): Keeps the brownie dense yet tender—just enough to bind without toughness.
• Full fat cream cheese (225g, room temperature): The key to a creamy, tangy swirl—always use full-fat for maximum silkiness.

Variations

The beauty of these Cheesecake Brownies is how easy they are to personalize, so don’t be afraid to play! Whether you’re looking to meet a dietary need or jazz things up for a special occasion, these tweaks let you bake your brownies, your way.

• Gluten-Free: Swap the flour with your favorite gluten-free blend to create decadent, celiac-friendly cheesecake brownies.
• Swirl in Jam or Nut Butter: Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam or creamy peanut butter over the cheesecake layer before swirling for a stunning flavor twist.
• Add Chopped Nuts: Stir in toasted walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for crunch and a classic pairing with chocolate.
• Espresso Kick: Dissolve a teaspoon of instant espresso in the melted butter for a deeper, more robust chocolate flavor.

How to Make Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square pan with parchment, making sure it extends up and over the edges like a handy sling. This makes both swirling and removing your Cheesecake Brownies super simple. If you have binder clips, use them to secure the parchment to the pan while you prepare the layers.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl over a gentle simmer (or in short microwave bursts), melt together the dark chocolate and butter. Stir until completely smooth and glossy—this is where the brownie magic begins. Add the sifted cocoa powder and mix until integrated for extra depth.

Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar

Combine the eggs, caster sugar, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat them on medium-high for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is pale, fluffy, and slightly increased in volume. This step is the key to getting that coveted crinkly brownie top!

Step 4: Finish the Brownie Batter

Blend in the melted chocolate mixture, then mix in the salt and vanilla. Gently fold in the sifted flour by hand, just until no streaks remain—the less you mix, the fudgier your brownies will be. Spread this beautiful batter into your prepared pan and give it a couple of taps to settle it and remove bubbles.

Step 5: Make the Cheesecake Swirl

Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla (if using) until ultra-smooth and lump-free. Drop generous spoonfuls (about three-quarters of the mixture) over the brownie layer. Swirl gently with a toothpick or the tip of a knife, dipping in to pull bits of brownie up for that signature marbled look. Use the remaining cheesecake mixture for a final round of fancy swirls.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the Cheesecake Brownies for 22-28 minutes, checking at 20. You want the edges set but the center to have just a hint of jiggle—a skewer in the middle should come out with a few moist crumbs. Lean towards slightly underbaked for extra gooeyness! Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.

How to Serve Cheesecake Brownies

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar looks gorgeous against those marbled tops. Or go all out: add fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for a decadent dessert finish that’s totally company-worthy.

Side Dishes

Cheesecake Brownies are already indulgent, so serve with something fresh and bright—try a simple fruit salad or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt. For an after-dinner treat, coffee or espresso is a classic match for these chocolatey bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into hearts or triangles for a playful twist, or layer them in parfait glasses with fresh berries and whipped cream for a showstopping trifle-style dessert. Individually wrap squares in waxed paper for sweet edible gifts that everyone will be thrilled to receive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container, either at room temperature or in the fridge. They’ll stay moist and fresh for up to four days—if you can resist eating them all by then!

Freezing

To freeze, layer the cut brownies between sheets of parchment or waxed paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to two months and can be thawed individually for instant dessert bliss whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

For that just-baked taste, gently warm a brownie square in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This wakes up the chocolate and makes the cheesecake swirl deliciously soft and creamy all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried baking Cheesecake Brownies at home, this is your sign to do it! They’re impossibly fudgy, easy to whip up, and guaranteed to be a hit at any table. Seriously—one bite and you’ll be hooked. Happy baking!

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