Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
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Chocolate cheesecakes are hard to make, but these Chocolate Cheesecake brownies aren’t. Made with a simple box of brownie mix and just a handful of other kitchen staples, these decadent delights can be made in no time. Everyone will think you got these at the bakery!
I love that these brownies stay soft and delicious for a couple of days (if they last that long).
Why choose between creamy cheesecake or rich, fudgy brownies when these Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies are the best of both worlds! Classic chocolate brownies are swirled with tangy cheesecake layer in one delicious snack for the ultimate dessert combination.
These delicious brownies come together easily with the help of a box of brownie mix and a few simple ingredients for a festive, bakery-style dessert that is easy to transport and perfect for potlucks, BBQs, parties, and bake sales. I always bring home an empty pan!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Brownie Recipe
Decadent – Rich, fudgy, and sweet swirled with a tangy cheesecake layer for the ultimate dessert combination.
Simple – Just a few basic ingredients and an extra minute of swirling for a bakery-style treat at home.
Loved – No one can resist these beautiful brownies, and they’re the perfect bring-along dessert for potlucks, BBQs, parties, or for bake sales.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
The ingredients for this recipe are super simple. Just a box of brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box, and four kitchen staples for the cheesecake layer.
- Brownie mix – an 18-20 oz box works best
- Oil – use a neutral flavored oil
- Water
- Chocolate chips – optional, but highly recommended
- Cream cheese – softened to room temp for easy mixing
- Sugar
- Egg – I use large, fresh eggs in my recipes.
- Vanilla extract
Equipment Needed To Make
Substitutions & Alterations
- You can sub peanut butter chips or milk chocolate chips for a flavor twist.
- Add a couple small dollops of peanut over the top of the brownies before baking and swirl around to make chocolate peanut butter cheesecake brownies.
- You can use a flavored cream cheese to create fun flavor combinations. There are a wide variety of fruit flavored cream cheeses to choose from!
- Experiment with different flavored extracts like hazelnut or almond extract in the cream cheese filling.
- Add a little peppermint extract and top with crushed candy canes around the holidays for a festive dessert.
- Cut the brownies into mini bites for dessert trays or squares for bake sales and parties.
How to Make Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
Be sure to follow the full instructions in the recipe section below for the best results and tips.
Step 1 – Make brownie batter according to package and spread evenly into pan
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Step 2 –
Step 3 – Prepare the cheesecake layer according to recipe card
Step 4 – Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and swirl
Step 5 – Add a little more brownie mix.
Step 6 – Swirl batter in the pan with a butterknife. Bake the brownies as directed Let cool completely
Step 7 – Cut into squares
Time Saving Tips & Tricks
- Soften the cream cheese ahead of time to ensure a smooth, swirlable texture.
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.
- Use a toothpick or butter knife to create pretty swirl patterns – don’t overmix!
- Chill the brownies before slicing for cleaner edges.
- These brownies can be made a day ahead.
How to Serve Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
To put these already decadent brownies over the top, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or dust with powdered sugar. You could also serve them topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream for an amazing brownie cheesecake sundae.
How to Store Cheesecake Brownies
Store leftover brownies in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
In the Fridge – Store brownies in an airtight container with minimal exposure to air. I like to place a square of parchment or wax paper between so they don’t stick together. Eat within 4-5 days.
In the Freezer – I like to slice the brownies, then place them on a parchment lined baking sheet to freeze. Transfer the frozen slices to a dated freezer-safe bag or container and use within 2-3 months. Be sure to thaw the brownies completely in the refrigerator – overnight is best – before eating.
More Chocolate Dessert Bar Recipes
- Chocolate Pecan Bars
- No Bake Peanut Butter Bars
- Chocolate Chip Blondies
- Chocolate Caramel Pecan Bars
Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- Parchment Paper
- butterknife
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box 18–20 oz brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box, usually oil, water, and eggs
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chunks optional
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (or as directed on the brownie mix box). Grease a 9×9 or 8×8-inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box. Stir in chocolate chips if using. Pour about ¾ of the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top, then swirl gently with a knife or toothpick.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Nutrition
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These were so good – everyone loved them.