Introduction
Ever wondered if you can truly have the best of both worlds — rich brownies and creamy cheesecake — in one bite?
If you’re a fan of decadent desserts, then this brownie cheesecake recipe will completely change your baking game. Combining the fudgy goodness of cheesecake brownies with the luscious creaminess of a cheesecake brownie cake, this recipe is perfect for every dessert lover. Whether you crave red velvet cheesecake brownies, cherry cheesecake brownies, or even pumpkin cheesecake brownies, this ultimate guide will help you master it all!
Let’s dive into the dreamiest, most indulgent dessert: cheesecake brownie bites, brownie cheesecake bars, and more. Ready?
Ingredients List
Gather your ingredients — it’s time to create dessert magic! ✨
For the Brownie Layer:
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1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
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Crushed Oreo cookies for a cheesecake brownie Oreo twist
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Swirled caramel for a caramel brownie cheesecake
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Cherry pie filling for cherry cheesecake brownies
Substitutions:
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Replace butter with coconut oil for a lighter, dairy-free option.
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Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Timing
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
⏱ Bake Time: 35 minutes
⏱ Cooling Time: 1 hour
⏱ Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
That’s 15% faster compared to most traditional cheesecake brownie recipes, which often take 2+ hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, whisking until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients to create a rich brownie batter.
Step 3: Create the Cheesecake Mixture
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, mixing until silky.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Gently pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie base. Swirl lightly with a knife for a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Let cool completely before cutting into perfect brownie cheesecake bars or bite-sized brownie cheesecake bites!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimate per serving (1 bar):
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Calories: 250 kcal
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Carbs: 28g
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Protein: 4g
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Fat: 14g
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Sugar: 20g
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Fiber: 1g
Data Source: USDA database and Nutrifox estimations.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Want to indulge and keep it light? Here’s how:
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Swap regular cream cheese for low-fat cream cheese.
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Use coconut sugar instead of refined sugar for a natural sweetness.
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Replace half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
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Make a pumpkin cheesecake brownies version by adding 1/2 cup pumpkin puree to the cheesecake layer!
Serving Suggestions
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Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
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Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for extra richness.
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dessert that wows at any dinner party.
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Crumble into a sundae for a brownie cheesecake parfait!
These cheesecake brownies are perfect for birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Thanksgiving (hello, pumpkin cheesecake brownies !), or even casual Sunday treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overbaking: Cheesecake layers can dry out quickly. Remove the dessert while it still has a slight jiggle.
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Skipping the swirl: Swirling makes the dessert visually stunning and gives you flavor in every bite.
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Not softening cream cheese: Cold cream cheese results in a lumpy cheesecake layer.
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Using the wrong pan size: Stick to 8×8 for even baking.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
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Refrigerate: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Thaw: Defrost overnight in the fridge for best flavor and texture.
Pro Tip: Cut your cheesecake brownies into squares before freezing for easy grab-and-go portions!
Conclusion
This brownie cheesecake recipe combines everything we love about cheesecake brownies, creating a rich, decadent dessert that’s truly unforgettable. Whether you prefer red velvet cheesecake brownies, brownie bottom cheesecake, or caramel brownie cheesecake, this versatile recipe has you covered!
Give this recipe a try! Drop a comment below sharing your favorite variation, and don’t forget to subscribe for more mouth-watering dessert ideas!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a brownie mix instead of making the brownie base from scratch?
Yes! A boxed brownie mix can save time. Just prepare according to package instructions, then add your cheesecake layer.
Q2: How do I make cherry cheesecake brownies?
After swirling the cheesecake layer, dollop cherry pie filling on top and lightly swirl again before baking.
Q3: Can I make brownie cheesecake bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! They even taste better after chilling overnight, making them perfect for parties and holidays.
Q4: What’s the best way to cut cheesecake brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wipe clean between cuts for perfectly neat squares.