Cheesecake Brownies

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Hello, dessert enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the decadent world of Cheesecake Brownies. These delightful treats perfectly marry the fudgy richness of a brownie with the creamy tang of cheesecake…and the final product is simply lovely.

Whether you’re trying to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth, these Cheesecake Brownies are an absolute must-try. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this recipe a crowd favorite.

A few pieces of cheesecake brownies from the top down and some standing on the sides showing the layers of brownie at the bottom and cheesecake on top

Table of Contents

A Cheesecake Brownie Recipe

If cheesecake and brownies have a baby together, it’ll be these little bites of cheesecake brownies.

They are a delightful combination of two classic desserts. The brownie layer is rich and chocolaty, while the cheesecake layer offers a creamy contrast.

The marbled top adds a touch of sophistication, making it seem like you spent hours in the kitchen crafting this masterpiece—when, in fact, it’s incredibly simple!

What I love about this cheesecake brownie recipe is that it’s an equal merger of cheesecake and brownies.

The brownie is not simply a base to the cheesecake. It is its own rightful, gooey delicious thing.

And we are not just getting a thin little layer of cheesecake on top of the brownie to just enhance it. It too is solid thick layer that is rich, creamy and taste just like a real cheesecake.

Prepare to fall in love with these cheesecake brownies! They make the perfect dessert for the holidays, special occasion, or whenever you want a bite of sweetness!

A stack of three pieces of cheesecake brownies with more scattered in the background

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients that make the cheesecake brownie magic happens!

As you probably guess, there are two primary components:

Brownie Layer

unsalted butter – provides richness and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
granulated sugar
eggs – create a tender, chewy brownie base
vanilla extract – Adds depth and enhances the flavor. Use good quality for best flavor!
all purpose flour
cocoa powder – use unsweetened (not sweetened) cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor.
chocolate chips – adds to the chocolate flavor, plus it’s gooey and delicious when it melts, making your brownie extra moist!
salt – just a small pinch of it to balance out the sweetness and open up the flavors.

Cheesecake Layer

cream cheese – the star of the show! It gives the cheesecake its luscious, creamy consistency and the slight tangy flavor. Make sure to leave it in room temperature to soften an hour or so ahead of time.
vanilla extract – a touch of this bring a hint of warm flavors to the cheesecake
granulated sugar – used to sweetened the cheesecake and balance out the richness
eggs – contributes to the creamy consistency of the cheesecake layer

Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s make the cheesecake brownies!

Prep: Preheat your oven to 350℉. Line a 9″x9″ pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.

Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined. Fold in those delightful chocolate chips for extra decadence.

Chocolate chips added to a mixing bowl of brownie batter, then folded into the batter

Set it aside and let’s make the cheesecake filling.

Cream together cheesecake filling: In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add in the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.

Blend until your mixture is smooth and velvety. There should be no clumps.

Layer it:Carefully spread the brownie batter in the bottom of your prepared pan, but remember to reserve a small portion for the marbling effect later!

Next, top with cheesecake filling

Layer baking dish with brownie mixture, then top with cheesecake filling

Create marble effect: Drop a few dollops of brownie batter over the cheesecake layer.

Use a toothpick or chopstick to gently swirl the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.

Using a chopstick to create swirls from dollop of brownie batter

Bake cheesecake brownie: Place cheesecake brownie the oven to bake for 45-50 minutes. Use a toothpick to check—it should come out clean when done.

Run a knife along the edges to help it detach from the pan.

A square pan of cheesecake brownie with a marble swirl on top

Cool & serve: Allow your Cheesecake Brownies to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes before removing. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Alternatively, you can also refrigerate it for 4 hours or more for it to harden before slicing and serving.

Cheesecake brownies can be served immediately warm or cold…it’s up to you! I’ve tried it both ways and I honestly love them both.

Cheesecake brownies with marble top cut into smaller squares

There you have it— cheesecake brownies in all its glory! A show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

Let us know in the comments how you enjoyed this recipe and any creative twists you tried. Happy baking!

Tips and Tricks

Creating the perfect Cheesecake Brownie requires a few insider tricks to ensure the best texture and flavor. Here are a few tips and tricks to guide you:

Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that ingredients like butter and cream cheese are at room temperature and softened. This helps them blend together more smoothly, resulting in a better texture for both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
Don’t overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients for the brownie batter, mix until just combined to avoid a tough, dense brownie layer.
Use quality chocolate: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. The better the chocolate, the richer the brownie flavor will be.
Parchment paper lining: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the cheesecake brownies out of the pan without damaging them.
Controlled swirling: When creating the marbled effect, use a toothpick or a chopstick and gently swirl for a balanced appearance. Over-swirling can muddy the patterns and lead to a less defined look.
Check for doneness: Since ovens vary, start checking your brownies for doneness at the 45-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with minimal crumbs, not completely clean.
Allow to cool: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing. This helps the layers set properly.
Chill for cleaner cuts: For sharp, clean cuts, chill the cheesecake brownies in the refrigerator after they have cooled to room temperature. Use a warm knife, wiping it clean between slices.

Bite size square brownie cheesecake scattered

Storage and Serving

If not serving right away, store in an airtight container the refrigerator for up to five days.

These brownies are delicious served cold or warmed slightly in the microwave for a gooey texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the cheesecake layer?

Using low-fat cream cheese may result in a less creamy texture and can affect the flavor. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results, but low-fat versions can be used if you’re aiming for a healthier option.

Can I use a different pan size for baking cheesecake brownies?

Yes, you can use a different pan size, but the baking time may vary. A larger pan will result in thinner brownies that bake faster, while a smaller pan will produce thicker brownies needing a longer bake time. Adjust accordingly and test for doneness using a toothpick.

How can I tell when my cheesecake brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The cheesecake layer should feel slightly firm but jiggles slightly if gently shaken.

Why is the cheesecake layer not as firm as expected?

If the cheesecake layer is too soft, it might be underbaked or the cream cheese mixture was not incorporated well. Ensure that the ingredients are well-mixed and the baking time is sufficient to set the cheesecake layer properly.

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