Cheesecake Brownies
Best Cheesecake Brownies Recipe – These decadent treats have the perfect ratio of rich and tangy cream cheese swirled into moist, tender, and fudgy chocolate brownies! They are quick and easy to make in under an hour, and fit right in on any dessert table.
Why We Love This Dessert Recipe
We have a glorious cheesecake brownie recipe with a silky Bailey’s cream cheese layer on top here on the site. However, if you’re looking for a classic Cheesecake Brownies recipe this is our favorite version.
These super fudgy brownies are layered with a delicate cream cheese layer, then swirled loosely with the brownie batter and baked. The result is a warm treat that’s gooey and tender, with just the right amount of tanginess from the cream cheese plus the chocolatey goodness you crave.
This recipe is easy to make, easy to adjust with flavored extract, and perfect for every occasion!
Ingredients You Need
For the Brownie Layer –
- Granulated sugar – your choice of white sugar or coconut sugar
- All-purpose flour – or gluten-free alternative
- Cocoa powder – use high quality for the best taste and texture
- Salt – just a pinch
- Butter – melted and cooled slightly
- Eggs – at room temperature
- Vanilla extract – to enhance the chocolaty flavor
- Chocolate chips – semi-sweet or dark chocolate
For the Cheesecake Layer –
- Cream cheese – softened
- Sugar – granulated white sugar or coconut sugar
- Eggs – at room temperature
- Vanilla extract – helps balance the sweetness
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
For the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Stir well. Then whisk in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Finally, stir in the chocolate chips.
For the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until very smooth.
Spread two-thirds of the brownie batter in the prepared baking dish.
Spread the cheesecake layer over the brownie batter.
Then dollop the remaining brownie batter over the top of the cream cheese layer.
Get the Complete (Printable) Cheesecake Brownie Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Use a butter knife to swirl the brownie batter and cheesecake together in a pretty pattern.
Bake for 35-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool completely, then cut into 24-30 pieces.
Pro Tip: For clean-edged squares, wipe the knife with a wet paper towel between cuts.
Recipe Variations
- Brownie mix – Want to save some time? Use your favorite store-bought box brownie mix. Or do what we do and keep a jar of homemade brownie mix in the pantry for just such an occasion.
- Gluten-free – Sub all-purpose flour with your preferred GF-friendly replacement.
- Dairy-free – Easily make this a dairy-free brownie recipe by using your fave plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- Cream cheese – Use low fat for a slightly lighter dessert, if you like.
- Extra goodies – Feel free to sprinkle on chopped nuts, toasted shaved coconut, crushed cookie pieces, or other tasty extras before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best brownies are made with minimal flour and cocoa powder, but plenty of butter and eggs. The result is a super soft and moist texture.
Cake recipes include baking soda and baking powder as leavening agents. This creates a fluffy, lighter crumb. Because brownies don’t use either of these, the texture is more dense and gooey.
Once the brownies cool completely, transfer them to an airtight container or wrap the brownie pan tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep on the counter for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to 6 days.
Looking for More Classic Dessert Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
- Strawberry Brownies with Chocolate Frosting
- Ultimate Brownie Cookies
- Gooey Caramel Brownies
- Brownie Cake (Gluten-free!)
- S’mores Brownies
- Brownie Cookies with Toffee Bits
Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brownies –
- 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter melted
- 6 large eggs
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
For the Cheesecake Swirl –
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9 X 13 inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
- For the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir well. Then whisk in melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Finally, stir in the chocolate chips.
- For the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until very smooth.
- Spread two-thirds of the brownie batter in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cheesecake layer over the brownie batter. Then dollop the remaining brownie batter over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Use a butter knife to swirl the brownie batter and cheesecake together in a pretty pattern.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely, then cut into 24-30 pieces.
followed recipe. more like a cake than a brownie… to me. definitely needed some pecans
I highly recommend this Cheesecake Brownies recipe! This is so far my favorite version of all the brownies that I’ve tried. So good and the instructions are on point!
These brownies are like nothing I have had before. SO delicious in every way and so easy to make!
I made these brownies and they came out great! Just like the picture. Bonus easy enough for my ten-year-old to help!!