There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and smooth, creamy cheesecake. Cheesecake brownies bring together the best of both worlds—the deep, indulgent flavor of a classic brownie with the tangy sweetness of cheesecake. Every bite is a perfect balance of dense, chocolatey goodness and velvety cheesecake, making this dessert an absolute showstopper.

I remember the first time I made these brownies for a family gathering. They disappeared within minutes, with everyone raving about how the creamy cheesecake swirl elevated the classic brownie to a whole new level. Since then, they’ve been my go-to dessert when I want to impress guests or simply satisfy my own sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, these cheesecake brownies will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required! This recipe is simple, even for beginners.
• Perfect Texture – The fudgy brownies and smooth cheesecake create a delightful contrast.
• Beautiful Swirls – The marbled cheesecake topping looks as good as it tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert – A guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or as a sweet treat for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. This step helps create that signature fudgy texture.

Next, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of fudgy. Once combined, set aside about 1/4 cup of the brownie batter for swirling later, and pour the rest into the prepared baking pan.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The key here is to mix until the batter is silky and lump-free.

Step 3: Assemble and Swirl

Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a spatula to create an even layer. Then, drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer. Using a knife or a toothpick, swirl the batters together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it—you want defined swirls rather than completely blended layers.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remember, the brownies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them!

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. For clean, sharp slices, chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting.

Helpful Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smooth cheesecake layer with no lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter – Mixing too much can lead to a cakier texture instead of the desired fudginess.
• Swirl Gently – Too much swirling can blend the layers instead of creating a beautiful marbled effect.
• Chill Before Cutting – Refrigerating the brownies makes slicing easier and helps them hold their shape.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9-12 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Note

• If you prefer an even fudgier texture, reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
• You can use a larger pan (9×9-inch) for thinner brownies—just reduce the baking time slightly.
• These brownies taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded together!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~210
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Sugar: 18g

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Boxed Brownie Mix?

Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite boxed brownie mix for the base and follow the same instructions for the cheesecake layer and swirling.

How Do I Know When My Brownies Are Done?

The edges should be set, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet, bake for a few more minutes.

Can I Add Chocolate Chips?

Absolutely! Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.

Do These Need to Be Refrigerated?

Since they contain cream cheese, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

If you plan to eat them within a day, you can keep them covered at room temperature.

Refrigerator:

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They taste even better chilled!

Freezer:

These brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Related Recipes

If you loved these cheesecake brownies, you’ll also enjoy:

• Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
• Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake
• German Chocolate Poke Cake
• Homemade Reese’s Cups – A Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Conclusion

Cheesecake brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich, fudgy chocolate with smooth, tangy cheesecake. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Print