Description
Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, dense texture of chocolate brownies with a silky, creamy cheesecake swirl. This easy-to-make dessert uses simple pantry ingredients and bakes in under an hour, creating a visually stunning marbled treat that satisfies intense chocolate cravings with a moist, fudgy bite and tangy cream cheese contrast.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons (70g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened and room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter, then mix with sugar and cocoa powder until smooth and glossy. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract, then gently fold in the flour and salt to form a thick, fudgy batter.
- Mix the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until silky smooth and lump-free, creating a creamy mixture for the cheesecake swirl.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased 9×9-inch or 8×8-inch baking pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer. Spread the remaining brownie batter on top, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set and just starting to pull away from the pan, but the center still jiggles slightly for a moist interior.
- Cooling and Serving: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This ensures clean cuts and the ideal fudgy-cheesecake texture.
Notes
- Use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Mix brownie batter just until combined to keep it fudgy and prevent cakey texture.
- Use a quality cocoa powder for a deeper, richer chocolate flavor.
- Check your oven temperature with a thermometer for consistent baking.
- Cool brownies completely before slicing to let flavors meld and texture set properly.
- For variations, add nuts, berries, espresso powder, or substitute ingredients for vegan or gluten-free options.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (if cut into 16)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: fudgy cheesecake brownies, chocolate cheesecake dessert, marbled brownies, easy brownie recipe, gluten-free brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies