Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
This decadent Cheesecake Brownies recipe combines rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer. Perfectly balanced between chocolate and cream cheese, these brownies offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Easy to prepare and bake in one pan, they make a perfect dessert for gatherings or a luxurious treat any day.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownies:
- 12 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the brownies and cheesecake layers.
- Prepare Pan: Lightly spray a 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal after baking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large bowl, combine the 12 ounces of chocolate chips and 6 tablespoons of butter. Melt them in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth.
- Combine Sugar and Vanilla: Stir in ¾ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the 3 eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a glossy batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ¼ cup cocoa powder, ⅓ cup cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring vigorously until the batter is smooth and starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Mini Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Layer Brownie Batter: Pour two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula, leaving the rest for the top layer.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add ½ cup granulated sugar and mix until incorporated.
- Add Egg and Vanilla to Cheesecake: Beat in 1 egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Cheesecake Layer: Spoon the cheesecake filling over the brownie layer and use an offset spatula to spread it into a thin, even layer.
- Top with Remaining Brownie Batter: Drizzle or spoon the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment overhang to lift out the brownies, then cut into 16 squares to serve.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- If using a boxed brownie mix, prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box and continue with the cheesecake layer before baking as instructed.
- Be careful not to overbake; the toothpick test is the best guide for doneness.
- Room temperature eggs and cream cheese help achieve a smoother batter and cheesecake layer.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- These brownies are best served chilled or at room temperature for a fudgy texture.
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert recipe, easy brownies, cream cheese brownies, baked dessert