Introduction

These Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with a smooth, creamy cheesecake swirl. Perfectly balanced and easy to make, they’re an indulgent treat for brownies and cheesecake lovers alike.

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 a fudgy texture.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free.
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 gently.
Step 6: Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out slightly moist but not wet.
Step 7: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares for neat portions.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, fold the chocolate chips and nuts into the brownie batter before layering.
Try swirling in peanut butter or raspberry jam for a fruity or nutty twist.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest cheesecake layer.
Allow brownies to cool thoroughly to ensure clean, sharp slices.

Storage

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften without melting the cheesecake swirl.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese instead of full-fat?

Yes, but full-fat cream cheese yields a richer, creamier cheesecake layer. Low-fat may result in a slightly less smooth texture.

How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?

Insert a toothpick near the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking can dry out the brownies, so watch closely towards the end of baking.

Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 110 reviews

These Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl for an indulgent dessert experience. With a perfect balance of cocoa, cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla, topped with chocolate chips and crunchy nuts, this recipe is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Author: Elias
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies (8×8-inch pan) 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

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.)
1 cup Chocolate Chips (For extra chocolate flavor.)
1 cup Nuts (Add crushed walnuts or pecans for crunch.)

Cheesecake Swirl

8 oz Cream Cheese (Opt for full-fat to maximize creaminess.)
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (Creates a delightful creamy texture.)
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances and deepens the overall flavors.)
1/2 cup Peanut Butter (Swirl in for a nutty upgrade.)

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare the 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.
Mix the 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 until smooth and glossy. Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour. Gently stir until just combined to maintain that fudgy texture.
Prepare the cheesecake mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. Stir in the peanut butter to add a nutty flavor.
Assemble the layers: 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 gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
Bake the brownies: Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness using a toothpick—it should come out slightly moist but not wet, ensuring fudginess without being undercooked.
Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This helps the layers set properly and allows neat portions to be cut.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese for the richest cheesecake swirl.
You can substitute nuts with your preferred choice or omit them for a nut-free version.
If you prefer, use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips to adjust the sweetness balance.
Make sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the brownies fudgy.
Allowing the brownies to fully cool before slicing prevents crumbling.

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