Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Fusion

Decadent chocolate cheesecake brownies swirl together two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

Rich layers of fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake create a magical combination that melts in your mouth.

Unexpected textures dance across your palate with each luxurious bite.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the delicate balance between intense cocoa and smooth cream cheese.

Each slice promises a delightful experience that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of this incredible dessert.

Why Cheesecake Brownies Are A Fudgy And Creamy Dream

• Craft Decadent Dessert: Create a stunning, bakery-worthy treat that impresses friends and family with minimal professional baking skills.
• Simplify Swirling Technique: Master an elegant marbling method that transforms ordinary brownies into a visually stunning dessert with just a knife's gentle swoop.
• Customize Chocolate Intensity: Control the richness by selecting different cocoa powder types and chocolate chips, allowing personal flavor preferences to shine through.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Blend two beloved desserts – cheesecake and brownies – into one irresistible, crowd-stopping confection that satisfies multiple sweet cravings.

What You’ll Need For Cheesecake Brownies

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for creating a tender and sturdy brownie base.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the brownies.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
• Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and achieve a light, soft texture.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownie batter.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the brownies.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, creamy swirl throughout the brownies.
• Sour Cream, Milk, Heavy Cream: Add moisture and contribute to the smooth, rich cheesecake mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet flavor to the cheesecake layer.

• Chocolate Chips: Offer extra bursts of chocolate flavor and texture.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides a delicate, sweet dusting on top of the finished brownies.

How To Make Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy brownie removal. Turn the oven to 350°F to get it nice and warm.

Step 2: Mix Dry Chocolate Base

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder

Step 3: Create Chocolate Batter Foundation

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Whisk until the mixture looks glossy and combined.

Step 4: Build Chocolate Batter

Add eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a rich, silky batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Chocolate Ingredients

Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.

Step 6: Whip Cheesecake Layer

• Sour cream
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Remaining egg

Mix until creamy and well blended.

Step 7: Layer First Chocolate Base

Pour two-thirds of chocolate batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 8: Add Cheesecake Swirls

Dollop cream cheese mixture over chocolate base in random spots.

Step 9: Create Marbled Effect

Spoon remaining chocolate batter over cream cheese layer. Use a knife to gently swirl batters together, creating beautiful marble patterns.

Step 10: Add Chocolate Chips

Sprinkle chocolate chips across the top for extra texture and flavor.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should have a few moist crumbs.

Step 12: Cool and Release

Let brownies cool completely in the pan for about an hour. Use parchment paper edges to lift out entire batch.

Step 13: Final Elegant Touch

Dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving for a delicate, sweet finish.

Tips For Creamy Cheesecake Swirls

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture just until combined to ensure tender, fudgy brownies with a soft texture.
• Achieve Perfect Marbling: Swirl batters lightly with a knife, creating delicate patterns without blending too thoroughly for a beautiful visual effect.
• Control Moisture: Use room temperature ingredients to help cream cheese mixture blend smoothly and prevent dry or cracked brownie surface.
• Boost Chocolate Intensity: Select high-quality cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips to elevate the rich, deep chocolate flavor of the brownies.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Look for moist crumbs on toothpick and slight wobble in center, as brownies continue cooking while cooling to maintain ultimate fudginess.

Fun Flavors To Try With Cheesecake Brownies

• Nutty Crunch Cheesecake Brownies: Replace chocolate chips with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Brownies: Mix raspberry preserves into the cream cheese layer and create additional swirls for a fruity burst.
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownies: Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the brownies before baking, and sprinkle sea salt on top for a sweet-salty combination.
• Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies: Add peppermint extract to the cream cheese mixture and use dark chocolate chips for a refreshing mint chocolate experience.

What Pairs Best With Cheesecake Brownies

• Pair Rich Red Wine: Select a bold, fruity red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the deep chocolate flavor and cuts through the creamy cheesecake richness.
• Enhance with Coffee Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of Kahlúa or Bailey's Irish Cream alongside the brownie to elevate the dessert's chocolate and cream cheese notes with a smooth, alcoholic warmth.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the cheesecake brownie with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding a luxurious, creamy texture that balances the dense, fudgy brownie base.

How To Keep Cheesecake Brownies Fresh

• Store cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep them covered to prevent moisture loss and protect from absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and quality.
• If serving within 1-2 days, store in a sealed container at room temperature. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain texture and prevent spoiling.
• When storing multiple brownies, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the delicate marbled surface of the dessert.

FAQs On Cheesecake Brownies Made Easy

• What's the secret to getting a perfect marbled effect?

The key is using a knife to gently swirl the chocolate and cream cheese batters together without overmixing. Make light, sweeping motions to create beautiful, intricate patterns without blending the batters completely.

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with milk, dark, or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Just ensure they’re of good quality for the best flavor and texture in your brownies.

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

Look for a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted near the center. This indicates the brownies are cooked through but still wonderfully fudgy and moist.

• Is it important to let the brownies cool completely?

Yes, cooling allows the brownies to set properly and develop their rich, dense texture.

Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in these irresistible brownies that blend rich fudge with smooth cream cheese swirls. Indulgent layers create a dessert perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Extras and Seasoning:

• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
3. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in granulated and brown sugars until smooth and glossy.
4. Incorporate 3 eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing completely after each addition to create a rich, uniform batter.
5. Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can create tough brownies.
6. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sour cream, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the remaining egg, mixing until creamy.
7. Pour two-thirds of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
8. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate base, then add remaining chocolate batter in spoonfuls to create a marbled effect.
9. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, creating intricate patterns without overmixing.
10. Sprinkle chocolate chips across the top of the batter for added texture and flavor.
11. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
12. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour, then lift out using parchment paper edges.
13. Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for a delicate, sweet finish.

Notes

• Cool the brownies completely before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
• Refrigerate the brownies for an hour before serving to help set the cream cheese layer and enhance flavor melding.
• Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, to create a smoother, more uniform batter with better texture.
• For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same rich, fudgy consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg