Easy Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
These Easy Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies combine a rich, dense chocolate brownie base with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer swirled throughout. Baked to perfection, they have a glossy top and a moist, fudgy texture that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate lover’s craving with a luscious twist.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies (4x4 squares) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Layer
- 135g dark chocolate (72%), coarsely chopped
- 120g unsalted butter, cold from the fridge
- 10g Dutch process cocoa or regular unsweetened cocoa, sifted
- 2 large eggs (about 100g not including shells)
- 135g caster sugar (granulated sugar can be used but won’t yield a glossy top)
- 65g light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 65g all-purpose flour, sifted
Cheesecake Layer
- 225g full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 60g caster sugar
- 1 large egg (50g not including shell), at room temperature
- ¼ tsp vanilla (optional)
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9” (23cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang the sides to create a sling. Secure with binder clips if you have them.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring frequently until smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully combined.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder over the melted chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.
- Mix Eggs and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, caster sugar, and brown sugar together on medium to high speed using a handheld or stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Continue for 2-3 minutes until the mixture lightens in color and increases in volume.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture along with salt and vanilla. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
- Add Flour: Gently fold in the sifted flour by hand until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan on the countertop several times to release any trapped air bubbles. Let it sit briefly, then tap again.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and optional vanilla until smooth and lump-free, using a handheld mixer or whisk.
- Layer and Swirl: Dollop about three-quarters of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a toothpick or spoon to swirl gently by scooping down slightly and bringing bits of brownie batter up to create a marbled effect. Add the remaining cheesecake mixture on top and swirl again as desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22 to 28 minutes. Start checking at 20 minutes. The brownie edges and top should be set, and a skewer inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Aim to underbake slightly for fudginess rather than overbake.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, use the parchment sling to lift the brownies out of the pan and cut into squares with a sharp knife.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to four days.
Notes
- Using cold butter is fine and helps control the melting process for the chocolate mixture.
- Caster sugar helps achieve a glossy brownie top; granulated sugar can be substituted but may affect the finish.
- Room temperature eggs and cream cheese ensure easier mixing and smoother batter.
- Don’t overbake; fudgy brownies have moist crumbs when tested with a skewer.
- Swirling the two batters creates a beautiful marbled effect and combines delicious flavors.
- Store brownies properly to maintain texture and freshness for up to four days.
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate brownie recipe, easy dessert, swirl brownies, creamy cheesecake layer, baked brownies