Cheesecake Brownies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch square baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Make the Brownie Base

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and beat until everything is incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. The brownie batter will be thick and fudgy.

Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan, pressing it into the corners to create an even layer.

3. Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and mix until fully combined. Stir in the flour, mixing until smooth. The cheesecake layer should be thick and creamy.

4. Assemble the Cheesecake Brownies

Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie base. Use a spatula to gently spread it out, covering the brownie layer as evenly as possible. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect, as the layers will swirl together during baking.

For a marbled effect, use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter. Run the knife or toothpick through the layers a few times to create a beautiful marbled pattern.

5. Bake the Cheesecake Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The edges should be slightly firm, while the center remains a little soft, as the brownies will continue to set as they cool.

If you like your brownies slightly fudgy in the center, be sure not to overbake them. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overcooking.

6. Cool and Serve

Allow the cheesecake brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. You can place the pan in the refrigerator for faster cooling if you prefer to serve them chilled, which also enhances the flavor and texture of the cheesecake layer.

Once cooled, slice them into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Brownies

• Don’t overmix the cheesecake layer: When making the cheesecake layer, it’s important not to overmix after adding the egg. Overmixing can cause the cheesecake layer to crack during baking.
• Chill the brownies: While these brownies are delicious at room temperature, chilling them for a couple of hours in the fridge allows the flavors to set and makes them easier to cut into neat squares.
• Make-ahead option: These cheesecake brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them perfect for entertaining or preparing ahead of time.
• Add extra flavor: You can experiment with adding swirls of fruit preserves (like raspberry or strawberry), caramel, or peanut butter to the cheesecake layer before baking. This adds a new dimension of flavor to the brownies.
• Check for doneness: Since ovens vary, start checking for doneness around 35 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back for These Cheesecake Brownies

These Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate dessert for chocolate and cheesecake lovers alike. The chewy brownie base pairs so perfectly with the creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The swirled appearance of the cheesecake and brownie layers also makes these brownies visually stunning, perfect for impressing your guests at parties or special occasions.

Whether you’re craving a rich chocolate dessert or the smoothness of cheesecake, these brownies give you the best of both worlds. They’re indulgent, satisfying, and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and easy to make, so you can enjoy these sweet treats with minimal effort.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of creamy cheesecake and fudgy chocolate brownies. The contrasting layers create a mouthwatering treat that’s rich, indulgent, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or just because you’re in the mood for something sweet, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Whip up a batch today, and get ready to enjoy the best of both worlds in one irresistible dessert!