Hey y'all! If you’re looking for the ultimate dessert mash-up, these Decadent Cheesecake Brownies are about to become your new favorite treat. With rich, fudgy chocolate brownie on the bottom and a luscious swirl of creamy cheesecake on top, every bite is pure bliss. This recipe is a real showstopper—ideal for potlucks, special occasions, or just because you deserve something delicious. Ready to indulge? Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Decadent Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- The brownies are supremely fudgy, while the cheesecake layer is incredibly creamy and tangy.
- Perfect for crowd-pleasing parties, bake sales, or a special family dessert.
- Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- The striking cheesecake swirl creates a beautiful presentation for any occasion.
- Endless options for customization—from mix-ins to toppings!
Decadent Cheesecake Brownies Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
- 1 large egg (for cheesecake layer)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
How to Make Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and 1 cup sugar. Beat in 2 eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla until smooth. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! Reserve ¼ cup of batter for swirling.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Swirl
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar until creamy and smooth. Add 1 egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and velvety.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Spread the chocolate brownie batter evenly in your prepared pan. Gently spoon the cheesecake layer over the brownie base. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife to swirl for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer looks set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Cool completely in the pan before slicing into generous squares.
Notes for the Best Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
- Let cream cheese come to room temperature for ultra-smooth mixing—and check out these cheesecake tips for extra guidance.
- For neater slices, chill brownies for an hour after cooling and wipe your knife between cuts.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; learn more about freezing brownies at King Arthur Baking.
Variations on Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
- Nutty Crunch: Add ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter.
- Chocolate Lover: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for extra gooey pockets.
- Berry Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of raspberry or strawberry jam over the cheesecake layer before swirling.
Required Equipment for Cheesecake Brownies
- 8-inch (20cm) square baking pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or sturdy whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Knife or toothpick for swirling
Storage Instructions for Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, individually wrap and freeze brownies for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when cravings hit!
Serving Recommendations for Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
Serve these rich brownies as a decadent dessert after a family dinner, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence. For a flavor contrast, enjoy with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Pro Tips for Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for deeper chocolate flavor—brands like Valrhona or Ghirardelli are excellent choices.
- Avoid overbaking: cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you take it out.
- Let brownies come to room temperature (or chill them) before slicing for the cleanest squares.
FAQ: Decadent Cheesecake Brownies
- Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Just prepare the mix as directed and follow the same steps for the cheesecake layer and swirl.
- Can these brownies be made gluten-free?
- Yes, simply use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- How do I know when Decadent Cheesecake Brownies are done?
- The top should look set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Slight jiggle is okay—brownies will firm up as they cool.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 50-55 minutes
Ingredients
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup sugar. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
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3Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix just until combined. Spread most of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan, reserving about ¼ cup for topping.
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4In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and well combined.
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5Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the brownie layer. Dollop the reserved brownie batter on top and swirl gently with a knife.
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6Bake for 35 minutes or until the center is set. Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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