Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
These Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any chocolate and cheesecake lover. With a balance of velvety cream cheese and intense cocoa flavor, they are ideal for sharing or treating yourself.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cheesecake Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of brownies later.
- Mix wet ingredients (brownie batter): In a large bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and combined. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition to incorporate air and create a glossy batter.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Gently fold these ingredients together just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender brownie texture.
- Prepare cheesecake mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble in pan: Pour half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie layer, then gently swirl them together using a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect. Optionally, sprinkle chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolate bursts.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To check if done, insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter, ensuring fudgy brownies.
- Cool and serve: Let the cheesecake brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder.
- If desired, add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts for added texture.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For easier slicing, chill the brownies in the refrigerator before cutting.
- Optional chocolate chips can be replaced with white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert recipe, fudgy brownies, cream cheese swirl