Description
Sinking forks into these luscious fudge cheesecake brownies reveals layers of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake swirled together. Dessert enthusiasts will adore this indulgent treat that blends classic brownie depth with tangy cream cheese elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter (227 g / 8 oz)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (177 g)
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips (213 g)
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (75 g)
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar (55 g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar hot fudge topping (12–16 oz or 340–454 g)
- 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips or additional chocolate chips/peanut butter cups (for topping)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch pan with foil, thoroughly spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Chocolate Base Creation: Melt butter and chocolate chips until glossy, then blend in cocoa powder, sugars, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, creating a rich, smooth mixture.
- Batter Development: Integrate eggs into chocolate mixture, gently folding in flour until just combined. Pour approximately two-thirds of batter into prepared pan, establishing the foundational layer.
- Cream Cheese Layer: Whip cream cheese and hot fudge sauce until achieving a silky texture. Spread this luxurious mixture evenly over the initial brownie base.
- Decorative Finishing: Artfully dollop remaining batter across cream cheese surface, creating a marbled pattern. Generously scatter miniature chocolate chips over the top for textural complexity.
- Baking Process: Transfer pan to preheated oven and bake for 30-38 minutes, monitoring until center achieves a subtle jiggle while maintaining a set appearance.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow dessert to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. Slice into decadent squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Butter Melting Technique: Use low microwave power and stir frequently to prevent chocolate from burning and ensure smooth, glossy consistency.
- Egg Incorporation Tip: Add eggs one at a time and mix thoroughly to create a silky, uniform brownie base that prevents curdling or uneven texture.
- Flour Mixing Caution: Fold flour gently and minimally to avoid developing gluten, which can make brownies tough instead of maintaining a fudgy, tender crumb.
- Cooling Strategy: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set cream cheese layer and enhance flavor melding, ensuring clean, precise cutting of brownie squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg