you’ll find everything you need to create this fantastic dessert, from a simple ingredient list to expert tips that guarantee your brownie cheesecake will turn out as perfectly as it sounds.
The Story of Brownie Cheesecake
Brownies and cheesecakes have both stood the test of time as dessert classics, each offering something unique: brownies with their dense, chocolatey flavor, and cheesecakes with their creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This combination dessert likely first appeared in American kitchens where bakers sought new ways to combine flavors and textures in exciting ways. The brownie cheesecake provides the best of both worlds—while the fudgy brownie base satisfies any chocolate lover, the velvety cheesecake layer adds a balance of smoothness. Together, they make an unforgettable dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Cheesecake Recipe!
- Best of Both Worlds: It’s a beautiful fusion of rich brownie and luscious cheesecake, offering a dual layer of flavors and textures.
- Versatile and Customizable: Perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or weekend treats, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
- Straightforward to Prepare: While it’s sure to impress, this recipe is simple to follow, making it approachable even for beginners.
This dessert checks all the boxes for an indulgent treat that’s memorable and easy to share with family and friends.
Ingredients for Brownie Cheesecake
Brownie Layer Ingredients:
- 1 box of brownie mix (use your preferred brand)
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 2 large eggs, brought to room temperature
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
- 16 oz of softened cream cheese (two 8 oz. packages)
- ⅔ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of sour cream, at room temperature
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- ½ cup of hot fudge sauce or chocolate ganache
These ingredients will provide the perfect balance between the rich brownie base and the creamy cheesecake filling, all topped with fresh whipped cream and fudge to complete the experience.
How to Make Brownie Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layer
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the brownie batter by mixing the brownie mix, oil, water, and eggs in a large bowl. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until the top sets slightly. Remove from the oven and set aside, but keep the oven on for the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Add the sugar, flour, vanilla extract, sour cream, and ¼ cup of heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing them in gently by hand to avoid introducing air bubbles.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the warm brownie base, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.
- Bake the brownie cheesecake for approximately 45 minutes. Once baked, turn off the oven, keeping the door closed for 20 minutes to allow gradual cooling.
- Crack the oven door open and let the cheesecake cool inside for an additional 30 minutes. Gradual cooling helps prevent cracking and ensures the cheesecake texture remains creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Chill and Decorate
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Prepare the whipped cream topping by beating the chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Top the cheesecake with whipped cream. Just before serving, drizzle it with hot fudge sauce or chocolate ganache.
Expert Tips for the Best Brownie Cheesecake
- Mix Carefully: Stir eggs into the cheesecake batter by hand to reduce air bubbles, which helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Gradual Cooling: Allow the cheesecake to cool slowly in the oven to avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause cracks.
These tips make it easy to achieve a flawless cheesecake texture without the need for a water bath.
How to Store Brownie Cheesecake
- Refrigerate: leftovers in an airtight container for up to days
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. The brownie cheesecake can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Pro Tip: Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight for best results, ensuring that each bite retains its creamy, fudgy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownie Cheesecake
Can I make my brownie layer from scratch?
Absolutely! If you prefer, use your favorite homemade brownie recipe in place of a mix. Just ensure it yields enough batter for a 9-inch pan.
What can I do to prevent my cheesecake from cracking?
Stir the eggs into the batter by hand, cool the cheesecake gradually, and avoid overmixing the ingredients. These techniques help keep the batter smooth and crack-free.
Is it necessary to chill the cheesecake before serving?
Yes, chilling helps the flavors meld and the layers set. For the best texture and flavor, let the cheesecake cool in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Bake Your Perfect Brownie Cheesecake Today!
With this easy brownie cheesecake recipe, you’ll be able to create a dessert that combines two classics in a truly unforgettable way. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this guide makes it simple to bake a cheesecake that’s creamy, fudgy, and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy each decadent bite of your homemade brownie cheesecake.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends or family who love dessert as much as you do—and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
More Brownies recipes you will love!
Delicious Brownie Sundae Recipe
Brownie cheesecake
Ingredients
Brownie Layer Ingredients:
- 1 box of brownie mix use your preferred brand
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons of water
- 2 large eggs brought to room temperature
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
- 16 oz of softened cream cheese two 8 oz. packages
- ⅔ cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of sour cream at room temperature
- 1 large egg at room temperature
Topping Ingredients:
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream chilled
- 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar
- ½ cup of hot fudge sauce or chocolate ganache
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Layer
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the brownie batter by mixing the brownie mix, oil, water, and eggs in a large bowl. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 15 minutes until the top sets slightly. Remove from the oven and set aside, but keep the oven on for the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a separate mixing bowl until smooth and fluffy, using either a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Add the sugar, flour, vanilla extract, sour cream, and ¼ cup of heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing them in gently by hand to avoid introducing air bubbles.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the warm brownie base, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Lower the oven temperature to 325°F.
- Bake the brownie cheesecake for approximately 45 minutes. Once baked, turn off the oven, keeping the door closed for 20 minutes to allow gradual cooling.
- Crack the oven door open and let the cheesecake cool inside for an additional 30 minutes. Gradual cooling helps prevent cracking and ensures the cheesecake texture remains creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Chill and Decorate
- After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best texture.
- Prepare the whipped cream topping by beating the chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Top the cheesecake with whipped cream. Just before serving, drizzle it with hot fudge sauce or chocolate ganache.