Introduction

These Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a creamy cheesecake swirl for an irresistible treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delightful mix of textures and flavors.

Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
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
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the melted butter mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Step 5: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Step 6: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy.
Step 7: Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it gently to cover the brownies.
Step 8: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie layer for a marbled effect.
Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 10: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10–15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Let cool completely before slicing.
Step 11: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy warm or chilled.

Tips & Variations

For extra gooey brownies, slightly underbake by a few minutes and allow residual heat to finish cooking.
Try adding a handful of chopped nuts to the brownie batter for added crunch.
Swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips for a different flavor.
Make mini versions using a muffin tin for portable treats perfect for parties.

Storage

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat chilled brownies gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or enjoy them cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it may affect the texture and richness of the cheesecake layer, making it less creamy.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Swirling gently and baking just until set helps prevent cracks. Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake smooth and creamy.

Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

Decadent and rich Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies combining the fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, swirled together for a beautiful marbled effect. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy the best of both worlds in one bite.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies (8×8 inch pan, cut into 16 squares) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
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
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Cheesecake Layer

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to make it easier to lift the brownies out later.
Melt Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients for Brownie: In a medium saucepan, gently melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
Make Brownie Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the melted butter mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing. Fold in chocolate chips if using for extra chocolate bursts.
Prepare Brownie Base: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly to create a smooth base layer.
Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
Layer Cheesecake on Brownie: Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie base, spreading gently with a spatula or spoon to cover the surface.
Create Marble Effect: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter to create a beautiful marbled pattern without fully blending them together.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture.
Cool in Pan: Remove from oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out carefully.
Cool Completely & Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve warm for gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite. Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Do not overmix the brownie batter to keep the brownies fudgy and tender.
Optional chocolate chips add extra chocolate flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler brownie.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Allow to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Chocolate cheesecake brownies, fudgy brownies, marbled brownies, dessert, chocolate dessert, cream cheese brownies