Cheesecake Brownies – Best Easy Recipe

If you’ve ever had trouble choosing between a rich, fudgy brownie and a slice of creamy cheesecake, this cheesecake brownies recipe is the answer to your dessert dreams. These bars combine two all-time favorites into one irresistible treat. With a decadent chocolate brownie base swirled with a luscious cheesecake layer, they’re the perfect dessert for parties, potlucks, or satisfying a serious chocolate craving. Best of all, you don’t need fancy ingredients or equipment — just a love for indulgent desserts.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Brownies

What makes these cheesecake brownies so special is their texture contrast — chewy, gooey brownies beneath a smooth and tangy cheesecake topping. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want a sweet snack to enjoy through the week, these bars are both crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly. Plus, the option to use a box brownie mix makes them even more convenient without sacrificing flavor.

You’ll also love how customizable they are — go thick or thin, use your favorite chocolate chips, or swirl in fruit jam for extra flair. However you make them, these brownies are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: Melted into the base for intense chocolate flavor
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and ensures a soft, fudgy texture
• Granulated sugar: Used in both layers for balanced sweetness
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile
• Eggs: Essential for binding and creating structure
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolatey intensity
• Cornstarch: Replaces flour for a chewier bite
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory notes
• Mini chocolate chips: Stirred in for melty bites throughout the brownies
• Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer — use full-fat for best results

Smart Ingredient Swaps and Substitutions

• Boxed Brownie Mix: Short on time? Use your favorite brownie mix instead of the homemade base. Just follow box directions, then pick up at the cheesecake step.
• Bittersweet Chocolate Only: Prefer a richer, deeper flavor? Go all bittersweet instead of blending with semi-sweet.
• Greek Yogurt: No cream cheese? A thick Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, though the texture will be less creamy.
• Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: For a deeper molasses flavor, swap out white sugar in the brownie base.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cheesecake Brownies

1. Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9-inch square pan with non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Stir in the sugar and vanilla until well combined.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Stir into the wet mixture until smooth and glossy. Mix vigorously until the batter starts pulling away from the bowl.
5. Stir in Chocolate Chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips for bursts of chocolate in every bite.
6. Layer the Batter: Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
7. Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add in sugar, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract until completely smooth.
8. Assemble and Swirl: Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and gently spread it. Drop the remaining brownie batter on top and swirl with a knife or spoon for a marbled look.
9. Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely in the pan.
10. Chill and Slice: Once cooled, refrigerate until firm for clean cuts. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan, and slice into squares.

Pro Tips to Perfect Cheesecake Brownies

• Cool Completely: Refrigerating before slicing ensures sharp, clean edges.
• Clean Your Knife: Wipe the blade between cuts to keep layers looking neat.
• Avoid Overbaking: Check at 30 minutes and look for moist crumbs on your tester — not dry.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Especially the chocolate and cream cheese — they make a big flavor difference.
• Go Thick or Thin: A 9-inch square pan yields thick brownies, while a 9×13 will give thinner ones with slightly shorter bake time.

Pairings, Toppings, and Fun Variations

• Add Swirls: Try raspberry jam or caramel sauce swirled into the cheesecake layer before baking.
• Top with Berries: Fresh strawberries or raspberries complement the creamy filling beautifully.
• Drizzle Chocolate: Once cooled, add a chocolate ganache drizzle for a bakery-worthy finish.
• Espresso Kick: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha twist.
• Make Ahead: These cheesecake brownies keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge and freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.

Seasonal and Celebration Twists

These cheesecake brownies are a year-round favorite, but you can easily dress them up for holidays and events:

• Valentine’s Day: Use heart-shaped cookie cutters once chilled
• Christmas: Swirl in crushed peppermint or add red and green sprinkles on top
• Halloween: Color the cheesecake layer orange and swirl with dark chocolate
• Easter: Top with pastel M&Ms after baking

Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just need something sweet to satisfy your cravings, these cheesecake brownies are sure to be a hit. Their combination of fudgy richness and creamy tang puts them in a dessert class of their own.

Conclusion

Cheesecake brownies are the ultimate dessert fusion — rich, fudgy, and irresistibly creamy. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a cheesecake enthusiast, this recipe brings out the best of both worlds. It’s easy to prepare, flexible enough for shortcuts, and always a crowd-pleaser. Keep a batch chilled for special occasions, weeknight cravings, or as a showstopping dessert for your next get-together. Once you try this combination of bold chocolate and silky cheesecake, you’ll never go back to plain brownies again.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Relevant Recipes

• Blueberry Crisp Cheesecake Bars: A perfect match in style to cheesecake brownies, these bars layer a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and a juicy blueberry crisp topping for a fruit-forward twist on a creamy dessert.
• Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars: These rich, nutty, and tangy bars are a delightful variation of the cheesecake brownie concept, combining smooth cheesecake with a vibrant cherry swirl and pistachio crunch.
• No-Bake Heavenly Oreo Dessert: While not baked like cheesecake brownies, this layered Oreo dessert offers the same indulgent creaminess and chocolate satisfaction — perfect for no-oven days.

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