Rich, fudgy cheesecake brownies combine a dense chocolate base with a smooth, creamy cheesecake topping. Perfect for bake sales, special occasions, or an easy homemade dessert, this simple recipe creates moist, decadent bars with a stunning swirl effect. Featuring dark chocolate, real cream cheese, and pantry staples, these cheesecake brownies are easy to make and offer a perfect balance of flavors. Great for freezing, gifting, or sharing at gatherings, this crowd-favorite dessert delivers bakery-quality results straight from your kitchen.

These rich and decadent cheesecake brownies combine a fudgy chocolate base with a creamy cheesecake topping for the perfect dessert fusion. Easy to make and visually stunning with a marbled swirl, they’re a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Batter

• 1 ½ sticks (170g) Butter
• 10.5 oz (300g) Dark Chocolate
• 3 Eggs
• 1 ¼ cups (250g) Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup (120g) All-purpose Flour
• ½ teaspoon Salt

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 13 oz (370g) Cream Cheese, room temperature
• 1 ½ cups (180g) Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 Eggs

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) or 170°C fan-assisted. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

• In a large bowl, whip the eggs and granulated sugar together until light, thick, and custard-like.
• Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth.
• Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until fully combined.
• Gently fold in the flour and salt until just incorporated.
• Reserve about ⅓ cup of brownie batter for swirling later. Pour the remaining brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.

3. Make the Cheesecake Mixture

• In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
• Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
• Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl it into the cheesecake layer.

4. Bake

• Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the cheesecake is just starting to turn golden at the edges. There should still be a slight wobble in the center.
• For gooier brownies, stick to the minimum time; for firmer brownies, bake a few minutes longer.

5. Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing—this is crucial for clean cuts and best texture.

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Tips

• Room temperature cream cheese is key to achieving a smooth cheesecake layer.
• Don’t overbake: the center should have a slight jiggle for that perfect creamy texture.
• Use a hot, sharp knife wiped clean between slices for neat portions.
• To make the swirl more dramatic, reserve a little extra brownie batter for the topping.

Variations and Substitutions

• Swap dark chocolate for semi-sweet or milk chocolate for a lighter taste.
• Add a handful of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra richness.
• Flavor the cheesecake with lemon zest or espresso powder for a different twist.
• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, cheesecake brownies are perfect for making ahead. They actually taste even better after chilling for a few hours.

How should I store them?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving if desired.

Can I freeze cheesecake brownies?
Absolutely. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Dust with a little powdered sugar before serving for a simple finishing touch.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel sauce for a more luxurious presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect texture combination: rich, fudgy brownie with creamy cheesecake.
• Simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
• Visually stunning swirl that looks impressive with minimal effort.
• Customizable with flavors like espresso, caramel, or fruit.