Decadent chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in this irresistible cheesecake brownies recipe that promises pure indulgence.
Rich, fudgy brownie layers swirl together with tangy cream cheese for a dessert that screams pure deliciousness.
Every bite delivers a perfect balance of intense chocolate and silky smooth cream cheese.
The contrast between the dense brownie base and light cheesecake topping creates a magical combination that melts in your mouth.
Bakers love how simple yet impressive this dessert looks when served.
Professional and home cooks alike adore how quickly these brownies come together with minimal effort.
Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this show-stopping sweet treat that guarantees rave reviews.
Inside the Mix: Cheesecake Brownie Ingredients
For Chocolate Base and Flavor:
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips, Bittersweet Chocolate Chips: Rich chocolate foundation that creates deep, intense flavor and smooth texture.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Enhances chocolate depth and provides rich color to brownies.
Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate pockets and melty bursts throughout the brownie.
For Structural and Binding Ingredients:
Unsalted Butter: Creates tender, moist texture and carries rich flavor.
Eggs: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to brownies.
Cornstarch: Ensures soft, fudgy brownie consistency and prevents toughness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create crisp brownie edges.
For Cheesecake Layer and Finishing:
Cream Cheese: Delivers creamy, tangy counterpoint to chocolate richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and rounds out overall flavor profile.
Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate and dairy notes.
Gear That Makes Cheesecake Brownies Easier
9-inch baking pan: Essential for creating perfectly sized brownies with even baking.
Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes easy removal of brownies.
Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting chocolate and butter smoothly.
Electric mixer: Quickly beats cream cheese and ensures smooth cheesecake layer.
Whisk: Great for mixing dry ingredients and combining brownie batter.
Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements guarantee consistent results.
Spatula: Helps scrape batter and spread evenly in the pan.
Toothpick: Checks brownies for perfect doneness.
Baking Cheesecake Brownies Like a Pro
Kitchen Preparation Gather your baking tools and create a clean, organized workspace for this delightful dessert adventure.
Brownie Base Melt rich chocolate with creamy butter, blending smoothly until glossy and inviting. Gently incorporate sweet sugar and fragrant vanilla, then welcome eggs one by one, mixing until the batter becomes silky and luxurious.
Texture Magic Fold in cocoa powder with a light touch, adding a whisper of cornstarch and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips for surprise bursts of flavor throughout the mixture.
Cheesecake Dreamland Whip cream cheese into a cloud-like consistency, infusing it with gentle sweetness and a hint of vanilla. This dreamy layer will dance atop the chocolate foundation.
Artistic Assembly Pour most of the brownie batter into a waiting pan, creating a rich chocolate canvas. Tenderly spoon the cream cheese mixture across the surface, then drizzle remaining brownie batter in elegant swirls.
Baking Transformation Place your creation in a warmly heated oven, allowing magic to happen for about 35 minutes. The brownies are ready when they show just a hint of moisture when tested.
Sweet Finale Let your masterpiece cool completely, then slice into tempting squares of chocolatey cheesecake bliss.
Techniques That Take Cheesecake Brownies Up a Notch
Pro Tips and Twists
Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free swirls.
Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips for unique flavor profiles that complement the classic brownie base.
Use a knife or toothpick to create beautiful marbled patterns by gently dragging the cheesecake layer through the brownie batter.
Fold in chopped nuts, dried cherries, or caramel bits into the brownie batter for extra texture and unexpected flavor bursts.
Store these decadent treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
Plating Cheesecake Brownies the Fun Way
Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve these rich brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic creamy contrast that melts beautifully with the warm chocolate.
Elegant Coffee Companion: Enjoy these cheesecake brownies with a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino, letting the robust coffee flavors complement the sweet chocolate and tangy cream cheese.
Festive Party Platter: Create a stunning dessert presentation by arranging brownie squares on a decorative platter, garnished with fresh raspberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an eye-catching touch.
Wine Lover's Delight: Pair these brownies with a glass of port wine or a smooth red dessert wine, which will enhance the deep chocolate notes and provide a sophisticated tasting experience.
Storing Cheesecake Brownies the Smart Way
Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store cheesecake brownies in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them deliciously cool and preventing moisture loss.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire batch ahead of time and freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap for convenient grab-and-go treats lasting 2-3 months.
Counter Caution: Let refrigerated brownies sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese layer and enhance flavor complexity.
Slice Smart: Use a sharp, clean knife wiped with hot water between cuts to create neat, crisp brownie squares without dragging the creamy cheesecake layer.
Indulgent chocolate brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake create a delightful dessert sensation. Rich chocolate layers meld with tangy cream cheese, offering an irresistible treat that satisfies intense sweet cravings you won’t be able to resist.
Ingredients
Scale
12 oz (340 g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 egg, room temperature
6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (170 g) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
½ tsp salt
Instructions
Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F, line 9-inch square pan with parchment paper, and lightly spray with cooking spray.
Create Chocolate Base: Melt dark chocolate and butter together, whisking until glossy and fully incorporated.
Build Brownie Foundation: Blend sugar and vanilla into chocolate mixture, then gradually mix in eggs until silky and uniform.
Develop Batter Texture: Sift cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt into chocolate mixture, folding gently to maintain smooth consistency.
Enhance Chocolate Profile: Fold mini chocolate chips throughout batter, ensuring even distribution.
Layer Brownie Base: Pour two-thirds of brownie batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly across bottom.
Craft Cheesecake Layer: Whip cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until luxuriously smooth and creamy.
Assemble Marbled Design: Delicately spoon cheesecake mixture over brownie base, then drizzle remaining brownie batter on top.
Create Swirl Pattern: Use knife to gently marble cheesecake and brownie layers, generating artistic visual texture.
Bake and Finalize: Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick reveals minimal moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
Cool and Serve: Allow brownies to cool completely in pan, then slice into elegant squares, serving at room temperature for optimal taste experience.
Notes
Master Temperature Control: Precise oven temperature ensures perfect brownie texture and prevents potential burning or undercooking.
Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold ingredients to maintain a light, tender brownie consistency and avoid developing tough gluten structures.
Create Smooth Marbling: Use a knife’s tip to create delicate swirls, ensuring a visually appealing and professional-looking cheesecake brownie surface.
Cooling is Crucial: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan to set the cheesecake layer and achieve clean, precise cutting lines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.