Cheesecake Brownies – Easy & Delicious Recipe

Cheesecake brownies are a delightful combination of two beloved dessert favorites. With fudgy, rich brownies topped with a creamy, velvety cheesecake layer, this dessert offers a heavenly indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party, craving a sweet treat, or looking for a unique dessert to share with family and friends, these cheesecake brownies are sure to satisfy.

Why Cheesecake Brownies Are the Ultimate Dessert

The beauty of cheesecake brownies lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. The brownies are decadent, chocolatey, and chewy, while the cheesecake layer adds a smooth, creamy contrast. This dessert is also surprisingly easy to make, making it ideal for beginner bakers and experienced chefs alike. Its versatility—whether you want a thicker or thinner bar—allows it to suit various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or a special occasion, cheesecake brownies are a showstopper that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: These provide a deep, rich chocolate flavor that forms the base of the brownies.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownies, allowing the chocolate to melt smoothly.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the brownie and cheesecake layers, balancing the flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the dessert with a warm, aromatic essence.
• Eggs: These act as binders for both the brownie and cheesecake layers, ensuring a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor, making the brownies extra fudgy.
• Cornstarch: Replaces flour in the brownie batter, giving it a chewy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, providing its signature creaminess and flavor.
• Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: These add a delightful burst of chocolate flavor throughout the brownies.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Non-fat cream cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat cream cheese, although the texture may differ slightly.
• Brown sugar: If you prefer a deeper, caramel-like flavor, you can replace part of the granulated sugar with brown sugar in the brownie mixture.
• Gluten-free flour: For a gluten-free variation, you can substitute cornstarch with gluten-free flour, keeping the texture soft and chewy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch square pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the brownie batter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips and butter in 30-second increments, stirring in between until smooth.
3. Mix in the sugar and vanilla: Stir the granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until smooth and the batter begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
6. Fold in mini chocolate chips: Add the mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter, mixing gently to combine.
7. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add granulated sugar, followed by an egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
8. Assemble the brownies: Pour two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Spoon the cheesecake filling over the top, smoothing it out with an offset spatula. Drizzle the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl to combine the two layers.
9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan.
10. Cut into squares: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan, then cut into squares.

Tips & Tricks

• Let the brownies chill completely before cutting for neat, clean slices.
• Use high-quality ingredients, such as premium chocolate and vanilla extract, for the best flavor.
• Adjust baking time depending on the pan size: a 9×13-inch pan will need less baking time, while an 8-inch pan will need a bit more.
• For perfect texture, let the brownies cool fully before cutting, and wipe your knife clean between cuts.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Cheesecake brownies are a versatile dessert that can be customized to your liking. Consider pairing them with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness and texture. You can also try variations like adding a touch of mint extract or incorporating a swirl of raspberry puree into the cheesecake layer for a fruity twist.

To make these brownies even more decadent, top them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. For a gluten-free version, swap out the cornstarch for a gluten-free flour blend. The possibilities are endless with these cheesecake brownies!

Seasonal Twist

During the holidays, you can give these cheesecake brownies a festive flair by adding crushed peppermint candies to the brownie batter or topping them with a dusting of cinnamon. This simple seasonal touch elevates the dessert and makes it perfect for holiday gatherings.

By following this easy cheesecake brownies recipe, you’ll create a dessert that’s not only mouth-watering but also adaptable to various preferences and occasions. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with new flavors, these brownies are a guaranteed hit!

Conclusion

Cheesecake brownies are the perfect blend of two dessert favorites: fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake. With their rich, chocolatey base and smooth, velvety topping, they’re a treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a new dessert to wow your guests or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these cheesecake brownies can be adjusted to suit any taste or occasion. Serve them up for your next family gathering, party, or even just a special treat for yourself!

FAQ

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