Name: Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 eggs, room temperature; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ⅓ cup cornstarch; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg, room temperature; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·4 from 11 reviews

I am absolutely in love with this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe because it perfectly blends two of my favorite desserts into one irresistible treat. The fudgy chocolate brownies combine flawlessly with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, creating a mouthwatering texture and flavor that keeps me coming back for more. This is one of those recipes I turn to whenever I want to impress guests or just indulge myself with something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

What makes this recipe stand out to me is the incredible harmony between the rich, chocolatey brownies and the smooth, luscious cheesecake topping. The brownies themselves are super fudgy and dense, which creates the perfect base, while the cheesecake layer adds a slight tang and an elegant creaminess that balances the chocolate beautifully. Every bite feels like a little celebration of flavors that’s both comforting and exciting to the palate.

Besides the delicious taste, I really appreciate how straightforward this recipe is to make. It doesn’t require any fancy equipment or complicated techniques, yet the results look and taste like a bakery-worthy dessert. Whether I’m whipping up a quick weeknight treat or preparing something for a special occasion like a birthday or holiday party, these cheesecake brownies always get rave reviews. They’re impressive, but not intimidating, which makes me love sharing this recipe even more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows multiple square brownie pieces with a creamy swirl layer on top. Each piece has two visible layers: a dark brown chocolate base and a creamy light tan top layer that is swirled with chocolate, creating a marbled pattern. The brownies are laid out on a white marbled surface with some small chocolate crumbs around. The swirls on each piece are unique with smooth curves and waves of chocolate blending into the cream color, giving a rich and textured look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe are wonderfully simple, but each plays a critical role in creating that perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and creamy cheesecake. From the melting chocolate chips to the rich cream cheese, every component adds to the texture, moisture, and flavor that make these brownies unforgettable.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: The key to that rich, melted chocolate base that makes the brownies fudgy and flavorful.
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness while helping melt the chocolate evenly.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the brownie and cheesecake layers just enough without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate and cream cheese flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
Eggs: Provide structure and help achieve that dense yet tender brownie texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolaty depth for the brownie portion.
Cornstarch: Improves the brownie’s tenderness and keeps the texture just right.
Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all the flavors.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips: Add fun bursts of melty chocolate throughout the brownies.
Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, bringing creamy tang and lush texture.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch square baking pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides so you can easily lift out the brownies once cooled.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Melt them together by microwaving in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to create a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 3: Stir granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate until fully combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to incorporate them evenly.

Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet chocolate mixture, stirring vigorously until the batter is smooth and pulls away from the edges of the bowl—this usually takes about one or two minutes.

Step 5: Stir in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips to add pockets of melty chocolate throughout your brownies.

Step 6: Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer with a spatula. Set this aside while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 7: Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Add the remaining granulated sugar, then beat again until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 8: Beat the egg and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture until everything is silky and well combined.

Step 9: Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Spread it out gently with an offset spatula to create a thin, uniform layer.

Step 10: Drizzle or dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer. You can gently swirl the two layers together with a knife or spatula if you want a marbled effect, but it’s delicious either way.

Step 11: Bake the brownies for 30 to 35 minutes. Around 30 minutes, begin checking by inserting a toothpick—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter. Keep a close eye so you don’t overbake.

Step 12: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 16 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, while the baking takes between 30 and 35 minutes. All told, you’ll spend about 45 minutes from start to finish. Just be sure to allow the brownies to cool fully in the pan before slicing, which might take an additional 20 to 30 minutes to set properly.

How to Serve This Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a small square piece of dessert held by a fork. This piece has two clear layers: the bottom layer is dark brown with a rich, moist texture, while the top layer is a creamy, pale yellow with a smooth and slightly crumbly look. The dessert piece is from a larger tray of similar squares in the background, sitting on a white marbled surface. The overall focus is sharp on the dessert piece, with the background softly blurred to highlight the texture and layers of the treat. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving these cheesecake brownies, I like to keep things simple to let their rich flavor shine. They’re perfect served at room temperature when the cheesecake layer is set but still creamy. I sometimes chill them slightly for a firmer texture, especially on warm days—both ways are delightful. Cutting them into small squares makes for excellent bite-sized treats at parties or casual get-togethers.

To elevate presentation, I often dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar or add a few fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries on the side. A drizzle of warmed chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream adds luxurious flair without overwhelming the dessert’s natural goodness. The contrast of bright berries against the deep chocolate is stunning and adds a fresh pop of flavor.

For beverage pairings, a cup of strong coffee or an espresso really complements the chocolate and cheesecake layers. If it’s a special occasion, I enjoy serving these brownies alongside a glass of rich red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, to bring out the deep cocoa notes. For a family-friendly option, a cold glass of milk is a classic match. They are a versatile dessert that suits holidays, dinner parties, or simple weeknight indulgences perfectly.

Variations

I love customizing this cheesecake brownies recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. For example, swapping out half the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips creates a fun, sweeter twist. Or, adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter gives it an enjoyable crunch.

If you need a gluten-free version, I’ve had great results using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the cornstarch and cocoa powder mixture—just make sure it’s suitable for baking. For a more diet-conscious or vegan approach, you can replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, though the texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

To mix up the flavors, try incorporating espresso powder into the brownie batter to deepen the chocolate flavor or swirling in a raspberry puree layer between the cheesecake and brownie to add tartness. Alternatively, bake these brownies in a muffin tin as mini cheesecake brownie bites for convenient single servings.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying these cheesecake brownies fresh, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The parchment paper overhang makes it easy to transfer the whole block without damaging the edges. Properly stored, they stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 to 5 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the cheesecake layer’s creamy texture beautifully.

Freezing

This Cheesecake Brownies Recipe freezes wonderfully. I wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since these brownies have a cheesecake layer, I recommend reheating gently to avoid drying them out or altering the texture. The best method is to warm them briefly in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds just to take the chill off if you prefer them slightly warm. Avoid overheating to keep the cheesecake layer creamy and prevent the brownies from becoming tough or crumbly.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix for this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe?

Absolutely! If you want to simplify the chocolate brownie part even more, you can prepare a box brownie mix according to the package directions and then layer the cheesecake filling on top before baking. This shortcut still gives you that delicious combination of cheesecake and brownies with less prep time.

What type of cream cheese works best for the cheesecake layer?

I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest, richest cheesecake layer. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it mixes smoothly and doesn’t create lumps. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese can affect the texture and flavor.

Can I make this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies actually taste great the next day, and chilling them overnight helps the cheesecake layer set perfectly, making slicing easier. Just store them refrigerated in an airtight container and bring them to room temperature or gently warm before serving, depending on your preference.

Why is cornstarch included in the brownie batter?

Cornstarch helps to give the brownies a tender, slightly cakey texture that balances the fudgy richness. It slows gluten development, so the brownies aren’t overly dense or chewy, allowing the creamy cheesecake layer to stand out.

Can I add other mix-ins like nuts or candies?

Definitely! I love to personalize this recipe with toasted nuts, chocolate chunks, or even swirls of peanut butter. Just fold them into the brownie batter before layering the cheesecake. It’s a great way to add texture and extra flavor to suit your taste.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that delivers impressive flavor and style without complicated steps, this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is an absolute must-try. I promise these fudgy, creamy squares will quickly become a favorite at your table, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to something extraordinary. Give it a go, and watch how easy it is to create magic with just a few simple ingredients!