Description
These Easy Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, dark chocolate brownie layers with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl, creating a luscious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The brownies have a glossy, crackly top and a dense, fudgy texture, balanced by the smooth cheesecake swirls baked right into the batter.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 135g dark chocolate (72% cocoa), coarsely chopped
- 120g unsalted butter, cold
- 10g dutch process cocoa powder (or regular unsweetened cocoa), sifted
- 2 large eggs (about 100g without shells)
- 135g caster sugar
- 65g light or dark brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla bean paste
- 65g all-purpose flour, sifted
Cheesecake Layer
- 225g full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 60g caster sugar
- 1 large egg (50g without shell), at room temperature
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and line a 9-inch (23cm) square baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang the sides to create a sling for easy removal. Use binder clips if needed to hold the paper in place.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, combine the dark chocolate and cold butter. Stir continuously until both are melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until combined.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder over the chocolate and butter mixture and stir thoroughly to blend evenly.
- Mix Eggs and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with caster sugar and brown sugar using an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg-sugar mix and blend well. Then, add salt and vanilla extract and mix until incorporated.
- Add Flour: Fold in the sifted all-purpose flour by hand, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to remove any air bubbles. Let sit briefly and tap again to level the batter.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, egg, and optional vanilla using a hand mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Swirl Cheesecake Layer: Dollop approximately three-quarters of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a toothpick or spoon to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie layer by scooping slightly and lifting bits of brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Add Remaining Cheesecake Mixture: Spoon the remaining cheesecake mixture on top and swirl again as desired to create decorative patterns.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 22 to 28 minutes. Begin checking at 20 minutes; look for set edges and top, and a skewer inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking to maintain fudginess.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the brownies from the oven and set the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Use the parchment sling to lift the brownies from the pan and slice into 16 squares with a sharp knife.
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerated for up to four days.
Notes
- Using caster sugar helps achieve the shiny, crackly brownie top better than granulated sugar.
- Cold butter works fine for melting with chocolate; no need to soften beforehand.
- You can use microwave instead of double boiling for melting chocolate and butter, but be sure to stir well and avoid overheating.
- For a stronger vanilla flavor, vanilla bean paste is preferred, but vanilla extract works fine as substitute in either layer.
- Check for doneness starting at 20 minutes to prevent overbaking and keep brownies fudgy.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
- Swirling the cheesecake mixture creates beautiful marbling and ensures a balance of cheesecake and brownie in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
