Cheesecake brownies combine the best of two worlds: the fudgy richness of classic brownies and the creamy tang of cheesecake. This delightful dessert is perfect for chocolate lovers who crave something a little more sophisticated than your average brownie. With a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients and time, you can whip up these luscious treats in no time. Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet indulgence at home, these cheesecake brownies are sure to impress family and friends alike. The contrast between the dense brownie base and the light, airy cheesecake topping creates an irresistible combination. Plus, you can customize them by adding your favorite flavors or toppings! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Brownies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Cheesecake Brownies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder to enhance the chocolate flavor of your brownies.
- Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to both the brownie batter and the cheesecake layer.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels in your dessert.
- Eggs: Eggs help bind the ingredients together while providing moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: This provides structure to your brownies; be careful not to overmix.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it mixes smoothly into the batter.
- Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the cream cheese layer without adding graininess.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing it with nonstick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter completely. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar until smooth. Add in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cocoa powder and flour until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract thoroughly.
Step 4: Layering
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread evenly across the bottom. Then spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie layer. Finally, add remaining brownie batter on top.
Step 5: Swirl Together
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through both layers to create a marbled effect without completely mixing them.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean from the brownie portion but slightly gooey from the cheesecake portion.
Transfer to plates and enjoy while warm or let cool completely before slicing into squares for serving!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on your brownies; they should be soft but set when you take them out.
- Add Toppings: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts on top before baking for extra texture.
- Slicing Tips: For cleaner cuts, use a hot knife dipped in water when slicing cooled brownies.
- Storage Suggestions: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
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How to Serve Cheesecake Brownies
This Cheesecake Brownies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy coldness of ice cream complements the rich, fudgy texture of the brownies.
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake brownies.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and enhances the overall dessert experience.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
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Make Ahead and Storage
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- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake brownie batter up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storing: After baking, allow the cheesecake brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Reheating: To reheat, place individual brownie squares on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through without overheating.
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Suggestions for Cheesecake Brownies
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Using cold ingredients can hinder the mixing process and lead to a dense texture in your cheesecake brownies. It’s essential to let cream cheese, eggs, and butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you begin. This allows them to blend more smoothly, resulting in a rich and creamy cheesecake layer. When you mix warm ingredients with cold ones, they won’t emulsify properly, which can leave unwanted lumps in your batter. So, for the best results, always remember to prepare your ingredients beforehand!
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing your brownie batter can cause it to become tough and chewy rather than soft and fudgy. When combining your ingredients, aim for just enough mixing until everything is incorporated. Once you see no dry flour or lumps, stop stirring. This is especially crucial when adding eggs; overmixing can introduce too much air into the batter, which affects the final texture negatively. Keeping this tip in mind will ensure that your cheesecake brownies remain delectably moist and tender.
Pay Attention to Baking Times
Baking times are crucial when making cheesecake brownies. If you underbake them, they may not set properly and could turn out too gooey. Conversely, overbaking will dry them out and compromise their flavor. Always keep an eye on your oven during the last few minutes of baking; they should be slightly underdone in the center when you take them out. The residual heat will continue to cook them as they cool, leading to a perfectly chewy brownie with a creamy cheesecake topping.
Cool Before Cutting
Allowing your cheesecake brownies to cool completely before cutting is vital for achieving clean slices. If you cut into them while they’re still warm, the layers may separate or become messy. For best results, let them cool in the pan at room temperature for about an hour before transferring them to the fridge for at least two hours or overnight if possible. This cooling time helps solidify both layers, making it easier to achieve those perfect brownie squares without sacrificing presentation.
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FAQs
What are Cheesecake Brownies?
Cheesecake brownies combine two beloved desserts into one delicious treat by layering rich chocolate brownie batter with a creamy cheesecake filling on top. The result is a decadent dessert that offers both fudgy chocolate and smooth cream cheese flavors in every bite. They’re perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a special celebration—and are sure to impress everyone who tries them!
How do I store Cheesecake Brownies?
To store your cheesecake brownies properly, first allow them to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, cut them into squares and place them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual pieces wrapped tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil; they can last up to three months frozen without losing flavor.
Can I customize my Cheesecake Brownies?
Absolutely! One of the great things about cheesecake brownies is their versatility. You can add different flavors or mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or even fruit purees to enhance their taste further. You might try adding peppermint extract for a holiday twist or swirl in some raspberry puree atop the cheesecake layer for added visual appeal and flavor contrast.
Why did my Cheesecake Brownies crack?
Cracking on the surface of your cheesecake brownies often occurs due to rapid temperature changes while baking or cooling. To minimize this risk, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking since fluctuations in temperature can cause cracks. Additionally, allowing your brownies to cool gradually instead of exposing them directly to cooler air will help maintain their structure and appearance.
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Conclusion for Cheesecake Brownies
In summary, making delicious cheesecake brownies requires careful attention to detail from start to finish. Always use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and avoid overmixing your batter to keep it tender and fudgy. Monitoring baking times is key; look for that perfect balance between underdone and overbaked textures while ensuring they cool completely before cutting into squares for presentation purposes. With these tips in mind, you’ll create stunningly beautiful and mouthwatering cheesecake brownies that will surely impress friends and family alike! Enjoy this delightful treat at any gathering or simply indulge yourself at home!
Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings
Description
Cheesecake brownies are the ultimate dessert, combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl. This delightful treat is perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a sophisticated twist on the classic brownie. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these decadent brownies are easy to whip up for any occasion—whether it’s a casual gathering or a cozy night in. The contrast between the dense chocolate base and the light, airy cheesecake topping creates an irresistible flavor sensation that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins or toppings for a personal touch!
Ingredients
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by greasing or lining it with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter completely. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cocoa powder and flour until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, then spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture on top before adding the remaining brownie batter.
- Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the brownie portion.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing.
Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture.
Cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (40g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender. Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture. Cool completely before cutting for clean slices.