Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
These Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy brownie layers with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl for a decadent dessert that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The brownies are baked in a single pan, delivering a perfect balance of chocolate and cream cheese flavors with a marbled effect.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Mix
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients as required – typically 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup water, and 2 eggs)
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, typically combining the mix with vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Reserve ½ cup of the batter before pouring the rest into the baking dish.
- Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and gently mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep it light.
- Layer Brownie Batter and Cheesecake: Pour the prepared brownie batter evenly into the lined baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, distributing it evenly.
- Add Swirl Topping: Thin the reserved ½ cup of brownie batter with one tablespoon of water. Dollop this thinned batter over the cream cheese mixture and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect throughout the top of the brownies.
- Bake the Brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are fully cooked but still fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cheesecake brownies to cool completely in the pan to set properly before cutting into squares. This helps maintain clean edges and prevents crumbling.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid cracks during baking.
- Swirling the batter gently creates the marbled cheesecake effect.
- Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, brownie recipe, cream cheese swirl, dessert, chocolate brownies