Cream Cheese Brownies (Cheesecake Brownies)

1 hour 10 minutes

Published: March 22, 2024

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Cream Cheese Brownies, aka Cheesecake Brownies, are a delightful fusion between rich, fudgy brownies swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer! The contrasting flavors and textures offer a decadent treat that combines the best of both worlds!

Looking for more delicious brownies and bars? Try my Cream Cheese Lemon Bars, Pumpkin Brownies, Fudgey Gluten Free Brownies, and Banana Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Why This Recipe Works

Two Desserts in One: The only thing that is better than classic fudgy brownies are these cream cheese brownies! They have all the lovely chocolatey flavors of your favorite brownies, with the added creamy cheesecake swirl which adds both flavor and texture. Next time you are craving cheesecake, you absolutely have to try these cheesecake brownies!

Double Chocolate Goodness: The key to rich, deep chocolate brownies is added melted dark chocolate to the mix. I add both melted chocolate and a high quality cocoa powder to these brownies for as much chocolate flavor as possible. You will definitely taste the difference between these brownies and ones made with just cocoa powder!

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Brownies

Butter: For moist, delicious brownies!
Dark Chocolate: I used 70% dark chocolate here. It adds a deep, chocolate flavor that is sweetened nicely by the sugar added.
Eggs: Eggs help the brownies rise a little bit in the oven!
Sugar: Regular, granulated sugar works great.
Vanilla: For added flavor!
Flour: Be sure not to add too much flour, measuring it on a scale is the best way to ensure you get super fudgy brownies instead of cakey brownies!
Cocoa Powder: Use a high quality cocoa powder for best results!

For the Cheesecake Swirl

Cream Cheese: Use a full fat cream cheese that is softened to room temperature for the best cream cheese brownies!
Sour Cream: Adds an extra bit of tang.
Sugar: To sweeten things up.
Egg: Egg will set the cheesecake swirl layer!
Vanilla: For a little extra flavor.

close up view of top of cheesecake swirled brownies uncut

Here’s How to Make It

Step by Step Instructions

steps 1-6 for cheesecake brownies recipe

Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350 F and prepare a 9×14 brownie pan with cooking spray and baking parchment.
Set Up Double Boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not tough the surface of the water, and that the water does not come to a boil.
Melt Butter & Chocolate: Add the butter and the dark chocolate to the bowl, allowing them to melt, keeping the stirring to a bare minimum. Remove from the heat to cook a little.
Make Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, using a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream and sugar until light and smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
Mix Eggs & Sugar: Clean the beaters of the hand mixer, and in a large, third clean bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar for the brownies until light and thick.
Mix Egg Mixture with Melted Chocolate: Using a metal spoon, gradually fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Then stir in the vanilla.
Add Flour: Now fold in the flour and cocoa until you have a smooth batter.
Assemble: Set aside 1/3 cup brownie batter before putting the rest into the prepared pan. Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the top, using the back of the spoon to gently smooth it over the surface of the brownie batter.
Make Swirl: Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the top of the cheesecake mixture, using the tip of a knife to swirl the two mixtures together.
Bake: Bake the brownies for 40 minutes until slightly puffed and set. Cool in the tin for 30 minutes before transferring to the fridge to cool completely before slicing.

steps 7-12 for cheesecake brownies recipe

Expert Tips

Serve your easy cream cheese brownies as is or with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
To store, you can store at room temperature for up to 24 hours. However, to store any longer you should put them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days! Make sure to bring to room temperature before serving.
To freeze, place cooled brownies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months! Thaw in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a double boiler?

A double boiler is when you set up a pot of simmering water on the stove and place a heat proof bowl on top in order to cook something with the steam coming up from the water. This is a gentle way to melting or cooking. It is best to melt your chocolate and butter over a double boiler so that they don’t get burnt! Melting chocolate in the microwave can result in burnt chocolate if you cook it for use a few seconds too much.

How do you cut brownies cleanly?

To cut your cheesecake brownies into perfect squares, you have to allow them to cool completely. First, allow your cream cheese brownies to cool in the tin for about 30 minutes at room temperature. Then, pop them in the fridge until they are completely cooled! Then you can easily cut them into perfect slices.

cream cheese swirled brownies on parchment paper

More Dessert Recipes to Try

Did you make this recipe? FANTASTIC. Please rate the recipe below and be sure to tag me on social when you share a photo on social – I love seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!