Name: Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar, packed; 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips, melted; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 tablespoons flour; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup sour cream, room temperature; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chunks or chips; 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream; Shaved chocolate; Whipped cream

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 14 reviews

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If you are a chocolate enthusiast searching for a dessert that delivers layers of pure indulgence, this Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine a fudgy brownie crust that perfectly supports a velvety, rich chocolate cheesecake layer, all crowned with glossy chocolate ganache and a cloud of whipped cream on top. Every bite offers a harmonious dance of textures and deep chocolate flavor that feels both luxurious and comforting. This recipe brings together the best of two worlds – the dense decadence of brownies and the smooth creaminess of cheesecake – making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slice of chocolate layered dessert on a white speckled plate shows three layers: the bottom is a dark brown dense base, the middle is a thick, lighter brown creamy layer with a smooth texture, and the top is a shiny, dark chocolate glaze. On the top center sits a swirl of white whipped cream with small chocolate shavings sprinkled over it. In the soft-focused background, more slices and the whole dessert are visible on white speckled plates, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in texture, flavor, and look. From the fudgy brownie base to the ultra-smooth cheesecake filling and silky ganache topping, every component enhances the final masterpiece.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Provides richness and moisture essential for the brownie base.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 1/4 cups, melted or chunks): Adds deep chocolate flavor to both brownie and cheesecake layers.
Granulated sugar (2 cups total): Sweetens the batter while helping create a tender texture.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Gives a subtle caramel note to the brownie crust.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (2/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons): Deepens chocolate richness and intensifies color.
Vanilla extract (3 1/2 teaspoons): Balances flavors with warm, aromatic notes.
Large eggs (8, room temperature): Bind ingredients and contribute to the cheesecake’s creamy texture.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the brownie rise just enough for a perfect base.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors while balancing richness.
All-purpose flour (1 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons): Gives structure to the brownie and cheesecake layers without making them dense.
Cream cheese (24 ounces, room temperature): The star ingredient for that smooth, decadent cheesecake layer.
Sour cream (1 cup, room temperature): Adds tang and creaminess for a luscious finish.
Heavy whipping cream (1/3 cup): Essential for creating the shiny chocolate ganache topping.
Optional garnishes (shaved chocolate, whipped cream): Adds visual appeal and extra indulgence at serving time.

How to Make Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and prepping your 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and greased sides. Don’t forget to wrap the pan in heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks. Melt your butter and chocolate chips together until silky smooth, then whisk in both sugars. Adding vanilla creates a lovely background note. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Finally, stir in your baking powder, salt, and flour gently until smooth. Pour this luscious batter into your prepared pan and bake for about 22 to 24 minutes. Don’t worry if the brownie seems slightly underdone – it will finish baking under the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

While the brownie base cools briefly, reduce your oven temperature to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. To make the cheesecake layer, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until creamy and smooth. Melt the chocolate chunks and fold them into the cream cheese mix with cocoa powder, flour, and vanilla extract. Add the eggs one by one, mixing after each addition, then gently fold in the sour cream to keep the mixture silky. Pour this luxurious chocolate cheesecake batter over the warm brownie base, smoothing the top carefully.

Step 3: Bake and Cool

Bake your cheesecake layer at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The edges should be set while the center might still have a slight wobble, which is perfect. Turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour to avoid cracks. Then, remove from the oven and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

When your cheesecake is nicely chilled, prepare a silky ganache by heating the heavy whipping cream until it’s just about to simmer, then pour it over the semi-sweet chocolate chunks. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Pour this ganache gently over the cheesecake, creating a decadent finishing layer that will set as it cools.

How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

A slice of chocolate cheesecake is lifted by a metal spatula from the whole cake on a white marble round board. The cake has three visible layers: a thick dark brown chocolate crust at the bottom with a rough texture, a large middle layer of creamy medium brown chocolate cheesecake with a smooth and slightly airy texture, and a thin dark chocolate ganache layer on top with a glossy finish. The slice is topped with a swirl of white whipped cream decorated with small chocolate shavings. The whole cake shows more whipped cream swirls with chocolate shavings around the edges. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle shaved chocolate on top right after pouring the ganache. A swirl or dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a lovely lightness that perfectly balances the rich chocolate layers. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also add a burst of color and tart freshness if you want to amplify the presentation.

Side Dishes

This Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk to offset its rich flavors. For a more elegant pairing, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis to add a fruity contrast that complements the chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your cheesecake into showstoppers by serving slices on individual dessert plates garnished with edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also cut small squares for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties. For a crowd-pleasing alternative, assemble mini versions in jars with layers of ganache, cheesecake, and brownie crumbles for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping it chilled preserves the creamy texture and keeps the ganache smooth and shiny, while also allowing the flavors to deepen even more with time.

Freezing

This Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Since this cheesecake is best served chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to take the chill off before slicing and serving, which brings out the chocolate’s rich aroma nicely.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought brownie mix for the base?

Absolutely! Using your favorite brownie mix as the base can save time and still deliver fantastic fudgy results that complement the creamy cheesecake layer perfectly.

What type of chocolate is best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet chocolate works beautifully for the ganache, providing a nice balance of sweetness and bittersweet richness, but feel free to use dark chocolate if you like a more intense flavor.

How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake surface?

Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar helps prevent temperature shock, which is a common cause of cracks. Also, don’t over-mix the batter to avoid too much air incorporation.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend and ensuring your chocolate products are gluten-free, you can enjoy this decadent dessert without worry.

Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?

Using room temperature eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream ensures that all ingredients blend smoothly, which is crucial for a creamy, lump-free cheesecake texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe is a delightful celebration of chocolate at its finest, perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something truly special. The luscious layers and harmonious flavors make it unforgettable. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will hold a permanent spot in your dessert repertoire. So grab your mixing bowls, invite your favorite people over, and get ready to bake a sensational cake that everyone will rave about!

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