These Cheesecake Brownies are a mouth watering combination of two dessert favorites. Extra fudgy brownies topped with a creamy cheesecake layer makes for an extra impressive dessert that no will be able to resist.
Cheesecake desserts are the BEST! Make sure to try these amazing No Bake Banana Cream Pudding Cheesecake, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Mini Cheesecakes, and this Triple Threat Chocolate Cheesecake!
I have been wanting to share this recipe for the longest time. Every since my Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Bars went viral, I knew this easy recipe was going to be one that you guys would love just as much, if not more.
I mean, how could you not? It combines my two most favorite desserts – cheesecake and brownies – into one mouthwatering, totally decadent and entirely irresisitble dessert.
What You’ll Need
- chocolate chips – both semi-sweet and bittersweet are needed for the brownies. If you want to, you can use just semi-sweet though. I like the flavor of the bittersweet in the brownies though.
- unsalted butter – we’re adding salt in later so use unsalted. Use a high quality butter as well.
- sugar – used in both the cheesecake and brownies
- vanilla extract – to add depth of flavor
- eggs – to bind the cheesecake together as well as for the brownies
- unsweetened cocoa powder – adds maximum chocolate flavor to the brownie cheesecake bars
- cornstarch – this is used instead of flour in the brownies – it makes them extra chewy!
- salt – of course 🙂
- cream cheese – I used full fat cream cheese for this brownie cheesecake recipe. You can however use reduced fat cream cheese if you prefer but not fat-free. It just won’t turn out right.
What Size Pan Do I Need
What I love about this recipe is that it makes just enough for a party and not so many that you’re secretly stuffing brownies in your face for the next five days. (I mean, I won’t judge you if you do that. Trust me, been there, done that.)
I made mine in a 9 inch square pan because I like my brownies to be nice and thick but you can use a 9 x 13 baking dish if you want yours to be thinner. They won’t need quite as much time to bake either.
Can I Use Brownie Mix?
For the sake of keeping this recipe nice and easy for the video, I used a boxed brownie mix. I know you love your shortcuts so using a box mix is an option.
If you want to use a box mix, that’s totally fine and I included the directions for that in my notes in the recipe below. Basically, f you’re using a brownie mix, just follow the instructions on the box to prepare the brownies and then jump to the the cheesecake layer section and start there. Easy peasy.
I actually prefer to make this with my favorite homemade brownie recipe, which I would hope you will too. It’s the recipe I use in The BEST Peanut Butter Brownies and Fudgy Toffee Flourless Brownies. Whenever I make these at home, this is what I do, and it’s outrageously good.
It’s an incredibly amazing brownie recipe that is WAY better than a box mix – IF you have the time. No pressure. Super fudgy and more chocolate flavor that should be legal.
Enough said.
Tips for Making Cheesecake Brownies
- I made these cheesecake brownies in a 9-inch square pan. You can use an 8-inch square pan if you want slightly thicker bars. Add about 2 minutes to the baking time. You can also use a 9 x 13 inch pan if you want them thinner. Subtract about 5 minutes from the baking time.
- For nice clean cuts, make sure to let these bars chill completely. Wipe your knife clean in between cuts as well.
- Use high quality cream cheese and vanilla extract for the best cheesecake flavor.
- If you have time, use my brownie recipe instead of a box mix for the best chocolate flavor and fudgy texture.
Let’s make more brownies!
- Peanut Butter S’mores No Bake Brownies
- Pumpkin Brownies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies
- The BEST Peanut Butter Brownies
- Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Turtle Brownies
- Chocolate Mint Brownies
How To Make Cheesecake Brownies
Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 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
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lightly spray an 9-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Line with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal. Set aside.
Brownies
- In a large bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter. Melt in 30-second increments, on high heat in the microwave, stirring in between.12 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Stir in sugar and vanilla until completely combined.¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add eggs one a time, stirring in between until combined.3 eggs
- In a small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ⅓ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt
- Add dry mixture to wet mixture and stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl. This will take one or two minutes.
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips.1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Pour two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Set aside.
Cheesecake Layer
- Using a stand mixer or hand held mixer, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.8 ounces cream cheese softened
- Add in the sugar and beat until combined.1/2 cup granulated sugar
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.1 egg, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Spoon the cheesecake filling over the top of the brownie batter and carefully spread into a thin layer with an offset spatula.
- Drizzle or spoon the remaining brownie batter over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. (Watch the brownies closely after 30 minutes. Don’t rely on the time so much as the inserted toothpick.)
- Let cool completely in pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to pull the brownies out and cut into squares.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gail says
Delicious
Nadia says
Thank you, excellent recipe just made them that turned out delicious
Flicky says
This is the first time I’ve read a recipe that has the ingredients’ measurements down in the method part! So you don’t have to keep scrolling up with batter all over your fingers!!! Life changing stuff. I am making this brownies today and largely because of your ingenious writing this recipe. U rule.
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Haha! I’m glad that it’s helpful and not annoying lol! Enjoy the brownies!
Chenoa says
These were a hit! Combo of my two favorite desserts – you can’t go wrong!
Tabatha says
I plan to make this tonight. It looks an sounds amazing!! I mostly just wanted to comment on your instructions that include the recipe amounts in the instructions!! That is so amazing, I love it, makes it so convenient. THANK YOU!!
Teri says
Currently baking this, but came to the comments to say the same! I always wondered why the measurements just aren’t in the instructions…and I still don’t know why…but even if it comes out of the oven tasting like crap, I’ll still love this pin 10x over because the measurements are in the instructions.
Jess says
I made these for the first time yesterday. (Love that the recipe instructions specify the amounts/ingredients in that step!) They turned out well and are very fudgy. I personally love cheesecake and would have liked a thicker cheesecake layer (no fault of the recipe though). They are very sweet and if I make them again I would likely cut the white sugar some.
Kait says
I have a box of salted caramel Brownie mix in my pantry that I’m going to try out with the cheese cake layer! Hopefully it turns out
Barb says
Can this be used with gluten free brownie mix?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Absolutely!
Aimee says
Excited to make these … Just wondering if I can use blocks of chocolate chopped instead of chocolate chips ?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Absolutely, as long as it’s real chocolate.
R says
These were absolutely amazing!!! I am new to baking due to quarantine, and let me tell you these turned out perfectly. Soooo perfectly fudgey which I was not expecting on my first attempt but this recipe is brilliant. I also added some white chocolate chunks into the recipe for something a little extra. Thanks so much for this recipe 🙂
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Yessss! Love the addition of white chocolate as well! Yum!
Katrina says
These were amazing. The brownie batter was very thick so there was no drizzling the top part and when I spooned it on it sunk through the cheesecake part so I just ended up taking a knife and marbled the cheesecake and top brownie part together.
deborah says
how many eggs? the recipe says one.. but instructions say add one at a time
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
There are 4 eggs total, 3 in the brownies and 1 in the cheesecake layer.
Kim says
These brownies looked absolutely delicious, what makes them twice as good is they are flourless. My husband is gluten free so these are perfect! I was nervous about the cornstarch but they really are fudgy and so tasty. They were delicious, everyone loved them. They took about 40 min. to bake but turned out a hit! Thank you so much!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so glad you gave them a try! You don’t miss the flour one bit 🙂
Danielle says
I would give this 10 stars if I could.
I have already made these twice this week. Sooooooo delicious 😋
Kim says
Can’t wait to try these.. they look amazingly delicious!! I never have unsalted butter on hand. Will salted be ok? Thanks!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
It sure will Kim! Enjoy!