Cheesecake Brownies: a decadent brownie recipe your family will love

If you've never tried a cheesecake brownie, you've seriously been missing out. These mouthwatering brownies are decadently fudgy, perfectly chewy, with just the slightest hint of tang, thanks to a sweet cream cheese layer.

Cream cheese brownies are amazing for potlucks, picnics, bake sales, or as a sweet treat you can add to your kids' packed lunches. They can even be served with ice cream or whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to turn them into a simple yet enticing dessert.

What are Cheesecake Brownies?

Cheesecake brownies aka cream cheese brownies are an outrageously delicious dessert that combines the ever-popular chocolate chip brownie with the much-loved vanilla cheesecake filling. They're super easy to make – even baking novices will be able to tackle this recipe!

Cream Cheese Brownie Ingredients

Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips to give your brownies their rich, chocolatey flavor. Butter, eggs, and cornstarch will help give them that fudgy texture.

A dash of vanilla complements that delicious chocolate flavor, while white sugar gives it the perfect amount of sweetness.

For the cheesecake layer, you'll need cream cheese, an egg to enrich it, some sugar to sweeten it, and vanilla (or your preferred baking extract) for an added hint of flavor.

How to Make Cheesecake Brownies

Ready to bake the gooiest, most decadent cheesecake brownies you'll ever taste? Let's dive in. Microwave the chocolate chips and butter in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each interval, so the mixture becomes nice and smooth. Stir the sugar and vanilla into the chocolate, then beat the eggs in one at a time.

In a second bowl, combine cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix them until a smooth batter forms. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and pour 2/3 of the brownie batter into a parchment paper-lined baking dish. For the cheesecake layer, beat the cream cheese until it becomes light and fluffy, then beat in the sugar, followed by the egg and vanilla. Gently spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and spread into an even layer. Top it off with the last 1/3 of the brownie batter.

Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes at 350F. Take them out of the oven and let them cool completely before slicing them. Once you've removed the brownies from the baking dish, make three or four (depending on the size you want) vertical cuts, followed by three or four horizontal cuts. That's it! Enjoy on their own, slightly warmed, or with a scoop of ice cream.

Tips for the Best Cheesecake Brownies

Use room temperature ingredients to make your cheesecake brownies. They'll combine more easily and help keep you from overworking the batter.

Make sure you leave an inch or two of overhang when you line the baking dish with parchment paper. This makes removing the brownies from the baking dish a cinch.

Your brownies are done baking when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly crumb-free (a few crumbs are okay).

You can use a boxed brownie mix for convenience. Make it according to the directions on the box, then prepare the cheesecake layer and assemble as outlined in the recipe.

Enjoy your cheesecake brownies on their own as a snack or serve them with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for an ultra-indulgent treat.

If you don't want to swirl the cream cheese layer, you can pour it over the brownie batter and spread it evenly before baking.

Cheesecake Brownies Variation Ideas

For cheesecake brownie variations, take inspiration from your favorite cheesecake flavors. Add a swirl of fruit jam like raspberry or strawberry, some lemon curd, a few dollops of nut butter, or some mint or orange extract.

You can also swap white chocolate or butterscotch for chocolate chips, garnish them with sweetened coconut flakes, or add nuts for a bit of crunch.

How to Store Cheesecake Brownies

Keep your cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I Freeze Cheesecake Brownies?

Of course! Put your cream cheese brownies in a freezer-safe container and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them again, let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350F. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray then line it with parchment paper.

Add chocolate chips and butter in a bowl.

Microwave the chocolate chips and butter in 30-second bursts, stirring in between each interval.

Add in the sugar and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

Beat the eggs into the mixture one at a time.

In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.

Sift the cocoa mixture into the egg mixture. Beat until smooth and the batter comes away from the sides of the bowl. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Pour 2/3 of the brownie batter into the baking dish.

To make the cheesecake layer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in the sugar. Whisk in the egg and vanilla.

Gently spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and spread into an even layer.

Drizzle the remaining 1/3 of brownie batter over the cheesecake layer. Gently swirl it.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan.

Once cooled completely, slice into squares.

Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Use a 9×9-inch baking dish to make your brownies.