Introduction

Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake with these irresistible cheesecake brownies. They offer a fudgy texture, a luscious cream cheese swirl, and a delightful balance of flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Choose high-quality for best results.)
1 cup Granulated Sugar (Balances the richness of cocoa and cream cheese.)
2 Large Eggs (Use fresh ones for optimal texture.)
1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Essential for the perfect bite.)
1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter (Don’t skip this for creamy brownies.)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances and deepens the overall flavors.)
8 oz Cream Cheese (Opt for full-fat to maximize creaminess.)
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (Creates a delightful creamy texture.)
1 cup Chocolate Chips (For extra chocolate flavor.)
1 cup Nuts (Add crushed walnuts or pecans for crunch.)
1/2 cup Peanut Butter (Swirl in for a nutty upgrade.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour. Gently stir until just combined to maintain that fudgy texture.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain.
Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over it, then add the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the layers together.
Step 6: Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check using a toothpick—it should come out slightly moist but not wet.
Step 7: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for neat portions.

Tips & Variations

For a nutty upgrade, swirl in 1/2 cup of peanut butter along with the cheesecake mixture before baking.
Add 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1 cup of crushed walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, richest cheesecake layer.
To reduce sweetness, adjust the powdered sugar in the cheesecake layer to taste.

Storage

Store the cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for these brownies?

While you can use low-fat cream cheese, full-fat is recommended to achieve the richest and creamiest cheesecake swirl.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures a fudgy texture without being undercooked.

Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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4.4 from 124 reviews

These Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl for a decadent dessert experience. Perfectly moist and bursting with chocolate and cream cheese flavor, these brownies are enhanced with a swirl of peanut butter and a crunchy touch of nuts, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter
1 cup Granulated Sugar
2 Large Eggs
1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
1 cup All-Purpose Flour

Cheesecake Swirl

8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat)
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Toppings and Mix-ins

1 cup Chocolate Chips
1 cup Nuts (crushed walnuts or pecans)
1/2 cup Peanut Butter

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and the all-purpose flour. Gently stir until just combined to keep the batter fudgy and tender.
Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the full-fat cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until completely smooth and lump-free, creating a silky cheesecake mixture.
Layer the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, then add the remaining brownie batter on top. Drizzle the peanut butter over the top and sprinkle with chocolate chips and crushed nuts.
Swirl the Layers: Use a knife to gently swirl the brownie and cheesecake layers together, creating a marbled effect without completely blending the two mixtures.
Bake: Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out slightly moist but not wet.
Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing into neat squares for serving.

Notes

Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake swirl.
Do not overmix the brownie batter once flour is added to maintain fudginess.
Allow brownies to cool completely for cleaner slicing and better texture.
Optional: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter for a different nutty flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: cheesecake brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate swirl brownies, peanut butter brownies, dessert, baked goods, cream cheese dessert