Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who cannot decide between brownies and cheesecake. This recipe delivers the best of both worlds: a dense, deeply chocolatey brownie base topped with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl. Every bite is rich, indulgent, and perfectly balanced, making these brownies a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its texture. The brownie layer is intentionally fudgy rather than cakey, while the cheesecake layer stays smooth and slightly tangy, cutting through the richness of the chocolate. When I first tested this recipe, I was surprised by how bakery-worthy the results were with such straightforward steps. These brownies look impressive, slice cleanly, and feel luxurious without being overly complicated. They are ideal for parties, bake sales, or whenever you want a dessert that feels special and indulgent.
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Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies: Rich, Swirled, and Completely Irresistible
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies are rich, dense chocolate brownies swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that’s decadent and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
- 1 large egg (for cheesecake layer)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and whisk with sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving a few tablespoons.
- Spoon cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
- Dollop reserved brownie batter on top and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until set but still slightly fudgy in the center.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Do not overbake for the fudgiest texture.
- Chill before slicing for clean edges.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter
Butter adds richness and moisture, contributing to the dense, fudgy texture of the brownies.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate provides deep cocoa flavor and enhances the fudgy consistency.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the brownies and helps create a glossy, crackled top.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that deepens flavor.
Eggs
Eggs provide structure and richness to both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
All-purpose flour
Flour gives just enough structure while keeping the brownies dense.
Cocoa powder
Cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without drying out the batter.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out both the chocolate and cheesecake layers.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese creates the smooth, tangy cheesecake swirl.
Powdered sugar
Powdered sugar sweetens the cheesecake layer smoothly without graininess.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together until smooth, then whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the top, then dollop the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely before slicing.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 to 16 brownies, depending on slice size. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, baking time is approximately 40 minutes, and cooling time is about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture. Reheating is not necessary.
Variations and Customizations
These brownies are very adaptable. For extra indulgence, chocolate chips or chunks can be folded into the brownie batter. I have tested this with semi-sweet chocolate chips, and it adds delightful pockets of melted chocolate.
For flavor variation, a teaspoon of espresso powder can be added to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor. You can also swirl in raspberry jam or caramel along with the cheesecake for a layered effect.
If you prefer a less rich version, reduce the cheesecake layer slightly while keeping the brownie base intact. These adjustments allow you to tailor the recipe while preserving its signature fudgy texture and creamy swirl.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
These brownies are rich and indulgent, containing dairy, eggs, and gluten. They are best enjoyed in moderation as a decadent dessert or special treat.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Ultra-Fudgy Texture
Do not overbake; the center should remain slightly soft.
Clean Swirls
Use gentle, minimal swirling for defined layers.
Smooth Cheesecake
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
Neat Slices
Chill before slicing for cleaner edges.
Chocolate Balance
Use good-quality dark chocolate for best flavor.
FAQs
Are these brownies fudgy or cakey?
They are intentionally fudgy with a dense texture.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes, but homemade batter provides better texture and flavor.
Why did my cheesecake sink?
Overmixing or very thin batter can cause sinking.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months.
What pan size works best?
A square pan provides even thickness and baking.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Slight reductions are possible but may affect texture.
How do I know when they are done?
The center should be just set with moist crumbs.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Do they need refrigeration?
Yes, due to the cheesecake layer.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, they are a popular choice with children.
Conclusion
Fudgy Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent dessert that combines intense chocolate flavor with creamy cheesecake in every bite. With their striking swirl, rich texture, and reliable results, they are a standout recipe that feels indulgent, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.
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