Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Swirled Bliss: Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Crafting decadent cheesecake brownies promises a delightful dessert adventure that combines rich chocolate with creamy swirls.

Chocolate lovers will instantly fall for this irresistible treat that marries two classic favorites.

Sweet layers blend seamlessly, creating a luxurious texture that melts in your mouth.

Unexpected moments of pure indulgence await when you mix these simple ingredients.

Baking becomes an art form with this stunning dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.

Silky cheesecake ribbons dance through fudgy chocolate base, promising pure bliss in every single bite.

Let passion guide you toward making this show-stopping dessert that everyone will absolutely adore.

Cheesecake Brownies – Why You’ll Crave Them Again

  • Marbling the cheesecake and brownie layers creates a stunning visual and taste experience that makes every bite exciting and unique.
  • This recipe requires simple ingredients and basic baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers who want a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
  • Combining rich chocolate brownies with creamy cheesecake makes this treat irresistible for gatherings, potlucks, family celebrations, or just satisfying a sweet tooth craving.
  • These brownies work wonderfully as a decadent dessert for special occasions or as a comforting treat to enjoy with coffee, making them adaptable to multiple settings and moods.

What Goes Into Cheesecake Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth, moist texture for the brownies.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender brownie texture.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the rich brown color.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a fudgy consistency.
  • Vanilla: Enhances the overall chocolate flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides structure and helps hold the brownie batter together.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Powdered Sugar, Egg: Create a smooth, creamy cheesecake swirl that complements the rich chocolate brownie base.

Easy Bake Steps for Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.

Grease the sides lightly with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

In a large saucepan, melt:
  • Butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cocoa powder

Whisk the ingredients until smooth and glossy.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Gently fold in:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until well combined and silky.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate mixing bowl, sift together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture, stirring carefully to avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Whip Cheesecake Layer

Using an electric mixer, blend until creamy:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Egg

Ensure the mixture is smooth with no lumps.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan.

Drop spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture across the surface.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirling patterns.

Top with remaining brownie batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place in a preheated oven at 350F.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center remains slightly soft.

Allow to cool completely before slicing into decadent squares.

Top Tips for Brownie Perfection

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create a smooth, even swirl without weighing down the batter.
  • Use a thin knife or toothpick to create beautiful marble patterns by gently dragging through the layers in circular or zigzag motions.
  • Look for slightly set edges and a gentle jiggle in the center, which indicates perfectly moist brownies without overbaking.
  • Refrigerate brownies for 1-2 hours before slicing to achieve clean, precise squares with minimal crumbling.
  • Experiment with adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel to elevate the classic brownie-cheesecake combination.

Store and Enjoy Cheesecake Brownies Later

  • Store cooled brownies in an airtight container, layering with parchment paper between each piece. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining delicious texture and taste.
  • Keep covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place in a sealed container to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
  • Warm refrigerated brownies in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before enjoying to restore soft, fudgy texture.

Brownie Pairings to Savor

  • Pair Perfectly with Rich Dessert Wines: Select a sweet port or late-harvest Riesling to complement the brownie's intense chocolate and creamy cheesecake notes, balancing richness with smooth, fruity undertones.
  • Create Contrasting Coffee Experience: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the dessert's sweetness, providing a robust counterpoint that enhances the brownie's deep chocolate flavors.
  • Match with Cooling Accompaniments: Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream to add a light, cold element that refreshes the palate and softens the dessert's dense texture.
  • Elevate with Fruity Garnish: Top with fresh raspberries or a raspberry coulis to introduce a tart brightness that brings out the cheesecake's tanginess and provides a color contrast to the dark brownie base.

Creative Brownie Variations

  • Gluten-Free Brownie Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, fudgy texture.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Squares: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative, and use dark chocolate for deep flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Wellness Brownies: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, incorporate Greek yogurt for protein boost, and add dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for reduced sugar content.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Cheesecake Slice: Swap regular flour with almond flour, use erythritol as sweetener, include cream cheese with full-fat content, and incorporate sugar-free chocolate for minimal carbohydrates.

FAQs

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

Look for set edges and a slight jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs, while the center will appear slightly underbaked but will set as it cools.

  • Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed cocoa?

Yes, you can. Natural cocoa powder will work fine, though it might slightly alter the texture and intensity of chocolate flavor. Just ensure it’s unsweetened cocoa powder.

  • What's the best way to create those beautiful swirl patterns in the brownies?

Use a knife or toothpick to gently drag through the dollops of cheesecake mixture and brownie batter. Make zigzag or figure-eight motions for the most attractive marbled effect.

  • How can I prevent my cheesecake brownies from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and don’t overbake. Let the brownies cool gradually at room temperature to prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking.

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Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in these irresistible cheesecake brownies, blending rich cocoa with tangy cream cheese swirls. Dessert lovers will find pure bliss in each delectable bite of this classic American treat that promises indulgence without compromise.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 350F (175C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
  2. Create brownie base by melting butter in a saucepan over low heat, then incorporate sugar until dissolved. Whisk in cocoa powder until silky and smooth.
  3. Allow chocolate mixture to cool slightly, then introduce eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until fully integrated.
  4. Sift flour and salt together, then gently fold into chocolate mixture, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Prepare cheesecake layer by whipping cream cheese until velvety and light. Gradually blend in powdered sugar and egg until achieving a creamy consistency.
  6. Transfer half the brownie batter into prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
  7. Distribute cheesecake mixture across the surface in generous dollops, then use a knife to create elegant swirling patterns throughout.
  8. Cover cheesecake swirls with remaining brownie batter, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for set edges and a slightly wobbly center, indicating perfect moisture.
  10. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling before slicing into decadent squares.

Notes

  • Use high-quality dark chocolate for richer, more intense brownie flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create smooth, lump-free cheesecake swirls without overmixing.
  • Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting of brownies, preventing sticking and crumbling.
  • For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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