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Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

4.6 from 119 reviews

These Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl for a decadent dessert that satisfies every sweet tooth. Featuring a perfect balance of cocoa, cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla, topped with chocolate chips and crunchy nuts, these brownies are ideal for gatherings or a special treat at home.

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 – crushed walnuts or pecans (Add crunch.)
  • 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (Swirl in for a nutty upgrade.)

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.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. 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 until the batter becomes smooth and glossy.
  3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour. Gently stir until just combined to maintain a fudgy texture without overmixing.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free, creating a creamy cheesecake mixture.
  5. Assemble 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. Using a knife, swirl the layers together gently, incorporating the peanut butter if desired for extra flavor.
  6. Bake: Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out slightly moist but not wet, indicating fudgy brownies.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares. This ensures neat portions and lets the flavors set perfectly.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the brownies fudgy and moist.
  • Swirling the cheesecake mixture with a knife creates a beautiful marbled effect.
  • Add chocolate chips and nuts to your brownie batter for extra texture and flavor.
  • Cool brownies completely before cutting to avoid crumbling.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: cheesecake brownies, chocolate brownies with cream cheese swirl, fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake dessert, homemade brownies