Two of my favorite things in one decadent dessert - cheesecake brownies! If these were the only bakes available in the world, I’d be happy. Both are creamy and palate-coating, beautifully sweet and immensely satisfying. Rich, fudgy, moist, heavenly and the list just goes on.
Who would have thought that brownies and cheesecake, when combined, will result to a very delightful and enjoyable dessert! Still, they don’t compete for the spotlight; in fact, they’re incredibly compatible.
Today we’re making cheesecake brownies, a recipe for cheesecake and brownies in one, swirled together perfectly. I call it brownies with cheesecake swirl. You’ll see just what I mean!
Before we get started, let me tell you this is quite an easy recipe and a fun one, too, so have your friends and family help out. No pro baking skills required!
Cheesecake Brownies Ingredients
To make our layered cheesecake brownies, we’ll have to make both brownie dough and cheesecake mix. If you’re new to baking, this is a marvelous opportunity to master both classics, and if you have some baking experience, you’ll find this extremely easy, even satisfying.
- For the brownies, we’ll need butter, sugar, eggs, flour, salt and vanilla extract. We’re also using fine-quality chocolate chips and cocoa powder for extra flavor.
- The cheesecake layer is much easier; you’ll only need eggs, sugar, vanilla extract and, of course, cream cheese!
- You’ll also need a square baking pan, parchment paper, a microwave-safe bowl and a few other mixing bowls.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Brownies
- When it comes to chocolate, quality matters, so get yours from a baking specialty store and get real semi-sweet chocolate, one that’s made with authentic cacao beans and not vegetal oil alternatives.
- Get real vanilla extract too, and not fake vanilla essence. We’re not using much of it, but trust me, it makes all the difference.
- Make sure you leave some parchment paper hanging out your baking pan; it will help you unmold the brownies with ease. Otherwise, you might struggle.
- The recipe below works for 12 two-bite-sized brownies, which is what I fit in an 8 or 9-inch square pan, but the recipe is easily scalable. For a typical get-together with friends, consider two of these per person; they’re that good!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a ready-made brownie mix?
Although I haven’t tried it, and prefer making brownies from scratch, you can use a brownie mix, and for better results, substitute the oil for butter and add fewer eggs for fudgier brownies.
How to store cheesecake brownies?
These pretty cheesecake brownies keep very well. Store them in the fridge inside an air-tight container for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze my brownies?
Yes, you can freeze your cheesecake brownies, just make sure they're at room temperature. Store them in an air-tight container or Zip-lock bags and in the back of the freezer for future use. They’ll keep indefinitely!
Get Ready To Make Two Desserts In One!
Now we’re ready to check out today’s recipe, I guarantee you’ll have tons of fun, and the results will be well worth your time.
Serve your cheesecake brownies with a milky coffee, like a cappuccino or a latte. They’re also lovely with a frosty glass of milk.
Don’t forget to add your personal touch, like by throwing in a fistful of crushed nuts to the brownie mix or by dusting these beauties with more cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Have fun!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and share your comments below!
Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 1 3/4 cups chocolate chips, semisweet
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake
- 8 ounces cream cheese (1 block) softened at room temp
- 1/4 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven at 350 degrees F and at the same time prepare your baking pan by lining with parchment paper and leaving a little bit of overhang.
To Make the Brownies
- In a bowl, melt the butter and 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips in the microwave for a minute or two. Once melted, mix and let it cool.
- Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until combined. Also combine the flour, salt and cocoa powder. Continue mixing until no lumps.
- Fold the remaining chocolate chips. Reserve 1/4 of the brownie mixture in a small bowl. You'll use it later as topping.
- Pour the remaining brownie mixture onto the prepared pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula or spoon.
To Make the Cheesecake
- Using a mixer, mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie base. Spread evenly onto a smooth layer.
- Add a tablespoon of hot water into the reserved brownie batter. Stir until smooth. Now, create blobs or dollops of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cheesecake filling using a spoon.
- Using a skewer or a knife, swirl together the batter. Do not over swirl.
Bake
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let it cool before slicing.
Leave a Comment