Description
These Irresistible Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl, creating a decadent dessert that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Perfectly balanced with bittersweet cocoa, smooth cream cheese, and a hint of vanilla, these brownies bake to a moist, luscious texture that delights every chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 cup Melted Unsalted Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 cup Nuts (crushed walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
Cheesecake Swirl
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Prepare brownie batter base: In a large bowl, whisk together melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the batter is glossy.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Gently stir using a spatula until just combined to preserve a fudgy texture without overmixing.
- Prepare cheesecake swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, creating a creamy texture.
- Assemble layers: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the batter. Add the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl the layers together using a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and drop peanut butter in small dollops on top for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to firm up before slicing into squares. This ensures clean cuts and maintains the creamy cheesecake swirls.
Notes
- Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest chocolate flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep brownies fudgy.
- Full-fat cream cheese yields the creamiest cheesecake swirl.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- Optional: substitute nuts with your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit or seeds.
- Store brownies 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, chocolate brownies, fudgy brownies, cream cheese swirl, chocolate dessert, easy brownies, homemade brownies
