Description
Delight in the perfect combination of rich chocolate brownies and creamy cheesecake with these irresistible Cheesecake Brownies. Featuring a fudgy brownie base swirled with a luscious cheesecake layer, this dessert offers a marbled effect and a balance of flavors perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup milk
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, 1 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder, stirring until just incorporated. Finally, stir in milk to create a smooth brownie batter.
- Spread Brownie Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter evenly into the lined baking pan, smoothing it out to cover the bottom completely.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until creamy and smooth. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and baking flour to the cream cheese mixture, continuing to beat until fully combined without lumps.
- Create Swirled Cheesecake Layer: Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Using a knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter to achieve a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake layer creamy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 16 squares. This resting time helps the brownies set perfectly.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth cheesecake mixture without lumps.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the brownies tender.
- For cleaner slices, refrigerate the brownies after cooling before cutting.
- Use parchment paper overhang to lift brownies easily from the pan after baking.
- Optional: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter for extra texture.
