Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Introduction
Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate with creamy, tangy cheesecake swirls for a decadent treat. This dessert offers the best of both worlds, perfect for satisfying chocolate and cheesecake cravings in one bite.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Step 3: Sift in cocoa powder and flour; stir gently until just combined.
- Step 4: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Add dollops of the cheesecake mixture on top and swirl with a knife. If using, sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out slightly moist but not wet.
- Step 7: Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares to ensure clean edges and full flavor development.
Tips & Variations
- For extra gooey brownies, underbake by a couple of minutes and allow them to set as they cool.
- Replace chocolate chips with chopped nuts or swirl in caramel sauce for a different flavor twist.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Storage
Store cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, but they are delicious served chilled as well.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
While low-fat cream cheese can be used, the texture and richness of the cheesecake layer may be slightly reduced. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy consistency and flavor.
How do I get the cheesecake and brownie layers to swirl well?
Add dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl them together without overmixing. This creates the signature marbled effect without blending the layers completely.
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Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Description
Indulgent Cheesecake Brownies blend rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl. These decadent treats offer the perfect balance of dense chocolate and smooth cream cheese, baked to perfection in an 8×8-inch pan. Ideal as a dessert or a special snack, they are simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir gently until the batter is just combined, avoiding over-mixing for tender brownies.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, without lumps.
- Layer Batter and Cheesecake: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie layer for a marbled effect. If using, sprinkle chocolate chips on top, then pour the remaining brownie batter over and repeat the swirling process.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to set the texture before cutting into squares. Serve at room temperature and enjoy your indulgent cheesecake brownies.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother cheesecake mixture and easier swirling.
- Do not overbake to keep brownies fudgy and moist.
- Swirling too aggressively can blend cheesecake too much with brownie batter; gentle swirling creates a better marbling effect.
- Optional chocolate chips add texture and extra chocolate flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate cheesecake dessert, swirl brownies, easy brownie recipe

