Can I let you in on a secret? I have never liked the plain, tangy cheesecake on its own. In fact, I always need a topping to balance out the sharp flavor- be it fruit, chocolate, or something extra sweet. But with today’s cheesecake brownie recipe, you won’t even need any topping! The rich and fudgy layer of the chocolate perfectly balances out the tangy cream cheese, giving you delicious bites without overwhelming the taste.
Brownies and cheesecake are two totally different desserts. Both are delicious, yet completely different. So, how do they come together so perfectly in one dessert?
Well, it’s all about the layers! Instead of the traditional crunchy base of a cheesecake, you use a rich, fudgy brownie layer as a base for brownie cheesecake. Beyond the layered goodness, the brownie and cheesecake come together on top in a stunning marbled swirl.
So, no matter where you take a bite from- even the top you will get a little bit of everything in one delicious mouthful!
Why You’ll Love Cheesecake Brownie Recipe
- Simple and Easy: This Cheesecake brownie recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients, and you don’t need any fancy equipment.
- Make-ahead: You can make this dessert ahead of time for any occasion, party, or gathering.
- Rich And Creamy: It’s rich with a fudgy brownie base and creamy cheesecake topping. Two desserts in one recipe together with minimal effort.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this according to your choice with different mix-ins and toppings.
Customize Your Cheesecake Brownie In Every Way!
I have the most fun customizing my brownie cheesecake, as there are so many ways to make it my own. I could add different toppings, play around with flavors, change up the brownie layer, or introduce a different texture to the cheesecake itself!
Here are some ways you can customize your brownie cheesecake:
Tasty Flavor Variations For Making Cheesecake Brownie
Chocolate Chips
Small in size, big on flavors- chocolate chips can be a great addition to your brownie layer or a sprinkle on top of the cheesecake!
Peanut Butter
Want to make your cheesecake even creamier? Swirl in some peanut butter to the brownie batter and enjoy a peanut-astic experience!
Caramel Sauce
A drizzle of warm, buttery caramel sauce goes a long way to double the richness of the brownie cheesecake.
Espresso
Love coffee? Add a tbsp of your favorite espresso powder to the brownie batter and enjoy a mocha-flavored cheesecake.
Berries
The natural sweetness of the fresh berries complements the rich, creamy layer of the cheesecake and adds a burst of freshness to every bite!
Balancing The Textures In Your Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
Nuts
Mix chopped nuts like pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts with the batter to add a delightful crunch to your brownie or cheesecake layer.
Crushed Cookies
Crushed cookies, Oreos, graham crackers, and shortbread cookies are great for adding a crispy texture to your brownie cheesecake.
Rice Cereals
You will never guess how adding little crunchy bits like Rice Krispies can transform your brownie cheesecake experience! Go for the plain and crisp varieties instead of the puffed ones for that perfect crunch.
Cake Crumbs
Got some leftover cake slices in the fridge? Crush them into little pieces and add the cake crumbs to your brownie cheesecake for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows are the perfect addition for giving your brownie cheesecake a chewy, gooey texture that melts beautifully while baking.
Don’t Forget The Toppings!
Whipped Cream
Light and fluffy whipped cream pairs perfectly with the fudgy brownie bits and creamy cheesecake layer! My favorite is cinnamon-flavored whipped cream for that spicy kick.
Coconut Flakes
For a tropical vibe in your chocolate dessert, sprinkle toasted or unsweetened coconut flakes on top of the cheesecake.
Sea Salt
Sweet and salty always go perfectly together. So, when I don’t want my cheesecake to be too much on the sweeter side, I sprinkle some flaky sea salt on top to balance the flavor!
Fresh Fruits
Fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, raspberries, apples, and cherries add a refreshing contrast to the creamy and fudgy cheesecake layers.
Chocolate Ganache
Add a drizzle of rich and glossy chocolate ganache to give your brownie cheesecake an extra dose of chocolatey deliciousness!
Pro Tips To Make Cheesecake Brownies
- Always make sure to use room-temperature eggs, butter, and cream cheese.
- Use high-quality ingredients like chocolate, cocoa powder, and vanilla essence or extract to ensure the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter- this way, it will stay fudge.
- Measure your dry ingredients correctly, which is essential to ensure your recipe’s texture.
- If your brownie cheesecake is slightly underbaked, that is okay because it will continue baking with the remaining heat. But overbaking can cause the brownie to become cakey.
- You can add roasted nuts, Chocolate chips, dried fruits, and coconut flakes and gently fold them into your batters before pouring them into the baking pan.
Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
For The Brownie Layer
- ½ cup / 115 g Butter (Room Temperature)
- 1 cup / 150 g Dark Chocolate (Chopped)
- ½ cup / 100 g Brown Sugar
- ½ cup / 100 g Granulated Sugar
- 3 medium-size Eggs (Room Temperature)
- 1 tsp / 5 ml Vanilla Essence
- ½ cup / 60 g All-Purpose Flour
- ¼ cup / 25 g Cocoa Powder
- ¼ tsp / 1.5 g Salt
For The Cheesecake Layer
- 1¼ cups / 300 g Cream Cheese (Room Temperature)
- ⅓ cup / 67 g Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp / 5 ml Vanilla Essence
- 1 medium-size Egg
Instructions
Melt Butter and Chocolate
- Fill a small cooking pot with water and bring it to a simmer.
- Place a heatproof large bowl over the pot and add ½ cup of room-temperature butter to it.
- Toss in 1 cup of chopped dark chocolate and stir frequently until it’s fully melted.
Mix Sugar, Eggs and Vanilla
- Pour ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar into the melted chocolate. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved into the chocolate mixture.
- Crack 3 medium-sized room temperature eggs into the bowl. Add the eggs one at a time and stir between each addition.
- Add 1 tsp of vanilla essence and mix until smooth.
Add Dry Ingredients
- Place a fine mesh strainer over the mixing bowl and sift in ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of cocoa powder and ¼ tsp of salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture with the help of a spatula.
- Reserve ⅓ cup of brownie batter in a small bowl and set it aside for later use.
Prepare The Baking Pan
- Take an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Give the baking pan a gentle tap to remove air bubbles and set it aside for later.
Mix Cheesecake Layer
- Grab a mixing bowl and add 1¼ cups of room-temperature cream cheese to it. Use a spatula to soften and break it down.
- Add ⅓ cup of granulated sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla essence.
- Crack 1 medium-sized egg into the bowl and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Assemble and Bake The Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, and tap the pan lightly to remove any air bubbles.
- Microwave the reserved ⅓ cup of brownie batter for 10 seconds at the lowest setting.
- Spoon small dollops of the brownie mix over the cheesecake layer.
- Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the brownie batter into the cheesecake, creating a marbled pattern.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius, and bake the brownie cheesecake for 25-30 minutes.
Cool, Slice, and Enjoy!
- Once baked, remove the brownie cheesecake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Transfer the brownie cheesecake to a cutting board, slice it into squares, and enjoy a deliciously creamy treat!
And here’s another fun part- while typical brownies taste best while they are still warm and gooey, cheesecake brownie is the complete opposite. Chilling it in the fridge makes its cheesecake layer extra creamy and blends better with the brownie part. It’s almost like your favorite brownie gets a cool and creamy upgrade with this recipe!
While classic cheesecakes may top your cake favorites, today’s brownie cheesecake is something that truly stands out. Even the marbled swirl on top looks aesthetically pleasing and adds to the charm! The delicious combo of creamy cheesecake and melting chocolate makes this dessert so perfectly balanced and too good to resist.
Recipe FAQs
What Can I Use Instead Of Cream Cheese?
You can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese for the creamy layer. However, the taste and texture will be slightly different in that case.
What Type Of Chocolate Is Suitable For The Fudgy Brownie Layer?
You can use milk chocolate, white chocolate or as my recipe instructs, dark chocolate for making the brownie layer.
How Do I Store The Leftover Brownie Cheesecake?
You can store the leftover brownie cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the cheesecake cool completely before storing it.
Why Does My Cheesecake Have Cracks On Top?
Cracking may occur in the cheesecake layer due to overbaking or baking at a too-high temperature. To avoid cracks, follow the recipe for the correct baking time and temperature.
Leave a Reply