A twist on classic chocolate brownies, cheesecake brownies feature a simple cheesecake batter–inspired topping that’ll satisfy your sweet tooth. Learn how to make this decadent brownie recipe at home.
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What Are Cheesecake Brownies?
Cheesecake brownies are rich treats consisting of a fudgy brownie bottom topped with a velvety cheesecake swirl. The light tanginess of the cream cheese–based topping complements the rich chocolate flavor for a chewy dessert reminiscent of cakey fudge.
4 Tips for Making Cheesecake Brownies
Follow these tips to make the most of this decadent twist on homemade brownies.
- 1. Use room-temperature ingredients. Before assembling the cheesecake mixture for the brownies, allow the cream cheese and egg to come to room temperature. Using cold cream cheese or eggs will likely result in a clumpy, curdled cheesecake layer.
- 2. Mind the brownie baking time. To avoid overbaking your brownies—which will yield a dry, crumbly product—keep them in the oven until the batter is just set. Even if the center appears undercooked, your brownies are done when the edges pull away from the sides. Stick a toothpick in a spot along the edge of the brownies to check the doneness. If it comes out mostly clean, the brownies are ready.
- 3. Experiment with additions. Once you master this classic dessert recipe, incorporate your favorite ingredients to suit your palate. Fold in chopped nuts (like pecans and walnuts), candies (like crushed candy canes and toffee bits), peanut butter, or coconut flakes for textural contrast. Top the cheesecake layer with chopped nuts, additional chocolate chips, or a chocolate drizzle. Serve your sliced cheesecake brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- 4. Store properly. This moist dessert will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or on the countertop for a day. For long-term storage, wrap the cream cheese brownies in plastic wrap, put them in an airtight bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Homemade Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
makes
16 browniesprep time
15 mintotal time
45 mincook time
30 minIngredients
For the brownie batter:
For the cheesecake layer:
Note: The total time does not include up to 15 minutes of inactive time.
Make the brownie batter:
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
- 2
In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, microwave the butter until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir a ¼ cup of the chocolate chips into the melted butter until the chocolate melts, and the mixture is well incorporated.
- 3
Stir the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
- 5
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix them together until a smooth batter forms.
- 6
Fold the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
- 7
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set it aside.
Make the cheesecake filling:
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, mix together the cream cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt on low speed until smooth and creamy, about 4–5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Alternatively, add the ingredients to a large bowl and use an electric mixer to combine.
Assemble and bake:
- 1
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the top of the brownie layer and spread it out into a single layer that meets the sides of the pan. Optionally, run a skewer or toothpick through the top of the cheesecake topping to create a swirl or marbled pattern.
- 2
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the center is just set, about 25–30 minutes.
- 3
Remove the baking pan from the oven and let the brownies rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes before cutting. Serve the brownies warm or at room temperature.
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