Craving something sweet that hits every note—rich, chocolatey, creamy, and tangy? This Cheesecake Brownies Recipe brings all that and more, combining two classic desserts into one showstopping treat.

If you’ve ever dreamed of brownies and cheesecake in a single bite, this is your answer. These cheesecake brownies start with a fudgy chocolate base and are swirled with a luscious layer of cream cheese for that signature marbled look.

What makes this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe stand out? It’s easy to follow, beginner-friendly, and produces bakery-quality results at home. No fancy tools or complicated steps—just pure indulgence in every square.

Whether you're baking for a party, family night, or just a personal craving, this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe delivers. Friends and guests won’t stop asking for seconds—or the recipe!

With real ingredients and clear step-by-step instructions, this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is a must-save for your dessert rotation. Trust us—one batch won’t be enough.

Stacked cheesecake brownies showing creamy swirls

Why Cheesecake Brownies Are Worth Making

Cheesecake brownies aren’t just another dessert—they’re a crowd-pleasing showstopper with deep roots in American baking traditions. The Cheesecake Brownies Recipe as we know it began to shine in the 1960s, when creative home bakers started blending rich brownie batter with tangy cream cheese.

What sets this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe apart? It satisfies multiple dessert cravings in one bite. Chocolate lovers can revel in the fudgy brownie base, while cheesecake fans savor the smooth, creamy swirls layered throughout.

Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holiday celebrations, or just a cozy weekend at home, this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe always gets rave reviews. It's the kind of dessert that disappears fast—and has everyone asking for seconds.

Want to elevate it even further? Serve these cream cheese brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist. Or add fresh berries for a bright, fruity contrast that cuts through the richness.

This Cheesecake Brownies Recipe also pairs beautifully with your afternoon coffee or tea. It’s not just dessert—it’s an experience.

Jump to:

Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment For Cheesecake Brownies
Recipe Variations
Storage
My Grandmother’s Secret Touch
FAQ
Related
Pairing

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

Unsalted butter
Semi-sweet chocolate
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Salt
Cocoa powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Large egg
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour

Brownie and cheesecake ingredients on white counter

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Batters

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the brownie batter: Melt butter and chocolate together, then mix in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and dry ingredients until just combined.
Make the cheesecake batter: Beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy, then add egg, vanilla, and flour until smooth.

Create the Swirl

Pour most of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
Dollop the cheesecake mixture on top, leaving some space between dollops.
Add remaining brownie batter between cheesecake dollops and create swirls using a knife or toothpick with gentle figure-eight motions.

Bake and Cool

Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the brownie part comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Two bowls with brownie and cheesecake batter

Prepare the Batters : Mix each batter separately before layering.

Swirling cheesecake into brownie batter in a pan

Swirl the Batters : Swirl both batters gently in the pan with a knife or skewer.

Baked cheesecake brownies cooling in parchment-lined pan

Bake and Cool : Bake until set, then cool completely before slicing.

Equipment For Cheesecake Brownies

8×8-inch metal baking pan: Metal conducts heat more evenly than glass for consistent baking.
Parchment paper: Essential for easy removal and clean cutting.
Electric mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes the cheesecake layer perfectly smooth.
Rubber spatula: Helps incorporate ingredients without overmixing.
Cooling rack: Allows air to circulate around the pan for proper cooling.

For budget-friendly alternatives, silicone baking mats can replace parchment paper, and a good whisk can substitute for an electric mixer (though you'll need a bit more elbow grease!).

Hints & Expert Cooking Tips

Always use room temperature ingredients for your cheesecake layer - this prevents lumps and ensures smooth swirls.
For an extra fudgy brownie base, don't overbake! It's better to slightly underbake than overbake these treats.
Use a plastic knife to cut your brownies - it glides through more cleanly than metal.
Line your pan with parchment paper with overhanging edges to easily lift the entire batch out for cutting.
Wipe your knife clean between cuts for picture-perfect squares.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting - warm brownies will fall apart when sliced.

Recipe Variations

Flavor Variations

Oreo Cheesecake Brownies: Crush 8-10 Oreo cookies and fold them into the cheesecake mixture before swirling.
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies: Add 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter to the cheesecake mixture.
Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies: Drop teaspoons of raspberry jam onto the batter before swirling, or top with fresh raspberries before baking.
Mint Cheesecake Brownies: Add ¼ teaspoon of mint extract to the brownie batter.

Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Cheesecake Brownies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend in both layers.
Keto Cheesecake Brownies: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, and swap the sugar for a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
Lower-Fat Option: Use Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat) instead of full-fat cream cheese.
Vegan Option: Use vegan cream cheese and flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg).

Storage

Fridge Storage

These cheesecake brownies actually taste even better the next day! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Freezing Instructions

Cheesecake brownies freeze exceptionally well:

Cut the brownies into individual squares
Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag
Freeze for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, or at room temperature for about 1 hour

Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare the brownie and cheesecake batters separately up to a day ahead, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Let them come to room temperature before assembling and baking.

My Grandmother’s Secret Touch

One thing my grandmother always said when we baked together: “The little details are what make people remember your dessert.” Her secret for the best Cheesecake Brownies Recipe was simple but powerful. After swirling the luscious cheesecake and brownie batters together, she’d tap the pan firmly on the counter—three or four times—to let the air bubbles rise and pop. Then, she’d place a shallow pan of hot water on the rack below the brownies as they baked. This gentle steam trick? It kept the cheesecake layer silky-smooth and crack-free, just like the ones from her favorite bakery. It’s that quiet touch of love and experience that turns a good dessert into an unforgettable one.

FAQ

Do cheesecake brownies need to be refrigerated?

Yes, cheesecake brownies should be refrigerated due to their cream cheese content. While they're safe at room temperature for up to 2 hours, refrigeration extends freshness to 5-7 days and maintains food safety standards. The chilling process also enhances the texture contrast between the fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake layers. Store in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing other food odors.

What are cheesecake brownies?

Cheesecake brownies are a delicious dessert fusion combining two classic treats: rich chocolate brownies and creamy cheesecake. These marbled delights feature a fudgy chocolate brownie base with swirls of tangy cream cheese mixture throughout. The contrasting flavors and textures create an indulgent dessert that satisfies both chocolate lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts in every bite—offering the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.

How do you add cream cheese to box brownie mix?

To add cream cheese to box brownie mix, prepare the brownie batter according to package directions. Separately, beat 8oz softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Pour most of the brownie batter into your pan, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top, add remaining brownie batter, then swirl with a knife. This simple technique transforms ordinary boxed mix into gourmet cheesecake brownies.

Can I make brownies in a springform pan?

Yes, you can absolutely make brownies in a springform pan, including cheesecake brownies. The removable sides make it easier to release and serve perfect slices without damaging the edges. For best results, line the bottom with parchment paper and grease the sides. Adjust baking time slightly as springform pans distribute heat differently than traditional brownie pans. Perfect for presentation-worthy desserts!

These marbled delights aren’t just dessert—they’re a whole experience. This Cheesecake Brownies Recipe strikes that dreamy balance of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake in every irresistible bite. With their eye-catching swirl and crowd-pleasing flavor, don’t be surprised if these become the most requested treat at every gathering.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just beginning your kitchen adventures, this Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is easy to follow and full of expert-backed tips to guarantee success. Honestly, the toughest part? Waiting for them to cool before you devour that first slice.

Have you tried making these cheesecake brownies yet? Do you add a twist—like raspberries, peanut butter, or extra chocolate chips? We’d love to hear your favorite variations in the comments below. And if you enjoyed this recipe, please take a second to rate it—it means the world to us!

Craving more sweet inspiration? Don’t miss our latest Homemade Crumbl Cookie Recipe, perfect for cookie lovers looking for that bakery-style softness. Or check out the nostalgic charm of our Homemade Vanilla Wafer Cookies Recipe—a simple, satisfying treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.

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