Cheesecake Brownies (Print Version)

Fudgy chocolate brownies with creamy cheesecake swirl for ultimate decadence.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Brownie Batter

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cheesecake Swirl

09 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until glossy.
03 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until creamy and lump-free.
05 - Pour about 2/3 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Gently spread the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer.
06 - Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two batters together for a marbled effect.
07 - Bake for 35–38 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out and cutting into squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • You get the best of both worlds without having to decide between fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake
  • The marbled pattern makes these look impressive enough for guests but they come together with minimal fuss
02 -
  • Overbaking is the enemy of fudgy brownies so start checking at 35 minutes even if they look slightly underdone
  • The cheesecake layer will continue to set as it cools so pulling them out when the center still jiggles slightly is actually correct
03 -
  • Folding chocolate chips into the brownie batter before swirling adds pockets of melted chocolate throughout
  • For extra tang, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cheesecake layer
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