Okay, friends, buckle up because I’m about to share a recipe that’s basically the culinary. What is the equivalent of a perfect Saturday morning? Imagine rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy, tangy cheesecake – it’s heaven, pure and simple! I’ve been searching for the ultimate dessert that would satisfy my cravings for both sweet and sour. I love cheesecake and brownies, and let me tell you this recipe is it! Is this a leveled-up version of brownies? Is it true that once you try these, you’ll never go back?
What is Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies?
Think of it as a marriage made in dessert heaven. What’s the recipe for fudgy brownies? What is the best cheesecake batter? The beauty of chocolate cheesecake brownies is the incredible contrast in textures and flavors. What is the best combination of chocolate and smoothness? The swirling creates a beautiful marbled effect, making them visually stunning too! What is the best of both worlds?
Why do I love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are just SO many reasons to adore this recipe. First and foremost, the flavor is absolutely out of this world. The rich, Dark Chocolate from the brownie perfectly complements the tangy, creamy cheesecake swirl. It’s a taste sensation that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).
What I love about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Don’t let the fancy swirls intimidate you! It’s genuinely straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment or complicated techniques. Is this one of those recipes that looks impressive but is secretly a breeze to whip up, even on busy days?
Is it also incredibly budget friendly? You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. What chocolate chips or cream cheese do you use? I’ve made it with store-brand cream cheese, and it turned out great!
And let’s not forget about versatility! Can you serve these chocolate cheesecake brownies for breakfast? ), brunch, as an after-dinner dessert, or even as a cozy snack in the middle of the night. What are some good sized jars for potlucks? Is there any extra decadence in Chocolate Chip Cookies?
How do I make chocolate cheesecake brownies?
Quick Overview
Making these gorgeous chocolate cheesecake brownies is a lot easier than you might think! Basically, you’ll whip up a batch of fudgy Brownie Batter, then prepare a simple cheesecake filling. Next, you’ll layer the two batters in your baking pan, swirl them together for that beautiful marbled effect, and bake until golden and gooey. Cool, glaze (if you want to get fancy!), slice, and enjoy! The best part? You’ll have a stunning dessert that tastes absolutely incredible with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: I always use good quality butter for the best flavor. * 2 cups granulated sugar: Feel free to reduce slightly if you prefer a less sweet brownie. * 4 large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing. * 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla for the best flavor. Imitation just doesn’t cut it! * 34 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: 1 teaspoon. Use a high-quality cocoa powder for rich, dark chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder works well too! Salt enhances the sweetness of chocolate chips. I prefer semi-sweet, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips work too!
For the Filling:
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Make sure it’s fully soften for a smooth, lump-free filling. * 12 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to taste depending on your preference. At room temperature. * 14 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla, again!
For the Glaze:
* 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped: Good quality chocolate is key for a glossy, delicious glaze.
* 2 tablespoons butter: Adds shine and richness to the glaze.
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream: Helps to create a smooth, pourable consistency.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal. What are some tips to avoid frustration in the future?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This ensures that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed and prevents any lumps. Make sure to whisk well! This step is critical for a good texture.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies. Stir in the chocolate chips. The batter will be thick and fudgy!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Add the vanilla extract and the egg yolks, and beat until just combined. Do not overmix the filling, as this can cause it to crack during baking. What should be the filling?
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Do not overbake brownies. Pour half of the batter into a baking pan. Do not overdo cheesecake. Drop spoonfuls over brownie batter. If the cheesecake filling is too thick, pour the remaining brownie batter over the top. Then drop more spoonfuls. Cheesecake filling on top. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together, creating an marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl, or you’ll lose the distinct layers!
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake brownies. They will become dry. The cheesecake filling should be set and slightly golden. I always start checking my emails around 30 minutes before I do anything else.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. For the glaze, place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the milk or cream until the glaze is glossy and pourable. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Slice the brownies into squares and serve. I like to chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts. These chocolate cheesecake brownies are delicious served on their own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
What is the best way to serve it?
These chocolate cheesecake brownies are seriously versatile! They’re amazing on their own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
For Breakfast:Serve warm with a cup of coffee or latte. What is the perfect start to your day?
For Brunch: Serve the brownies on a platter with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a side of mimosas or orange juice.
As Dessert: Dress up the brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a brownie with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
My family loves these brownies with raspberries. They are so good! The tartness of the raspberries cuts through the richness and texture of brownies perfectly. Is it a tradition in our house?
How do I make a perfect chocolate cheesecake brownie?
How do you take chocolate cheesecake brownies to the next level? What are some tips for brownie perfection?
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the brownie batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough brownies. Mix until just combined. Trust me, this makes a big difference!
Swirl Customization:How do you get creative with swirls? Use a toothpick, skewer, or knife to create different patterns and designs. What’s the best way to add food coloring to a cheesecake? Where can I let my artistic side shine?
Ingredient Swaps:What are some interesting chocolate chips? Milk chocolate, dark chocolate or even white chocolate chips would all be delicious. Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter to the brownie batter.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the brownies while they’re baking. Ovens can vary, so the baking time may need to be adjusted. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Glaze Variations: Get creative with your glaze! Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha glaze, or a few drops of peppermint extract for a minty glaze. You can also skip the glaze altogether and dust the brownies with powdered sugar.
I actually learned the hard way about overmixing the batter. The first time I made these, I was a little too enthusiastic with the mixer, and the brownies turned out dense and chewy. Now I’m super careful to mix until just combined, and the results are always perfect!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Want to make these chocolate cheesecake brownies ahead of time or save leftovers? Here’s how to properly store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will stay fresh and moist.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This will help them retain their moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the brownies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the brownies, I recommend glazing them right before serving. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or cracking during storage.
I’ve found that freezing these brownies is a great way to have a treat on hand whenever I’m craving something sweet. They thaw beautifully and taste just as good as fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my ultimate chocolate cheesecake brownies recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a rich, decadent dessert or just want to impress your friends and family, these brownies are sure to do the trick. The combination of fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake is simply irresistible, and the beautiful swirls make them a feast for the eyes as well. I really hope you give this recipe a try. And if you’re looking for other yummy treats, check out my recipes for peanut butter cookies or maybe chocolate lava cakes!
Happy baking, friends! I can’t wait to hear how your chocolate cheesecake brownies turn out. Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know if you have any questions or if you’ve made any fun variations. Also, don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends – they’ll thank you for it!
Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
