Description
Enjoy the delightful combination of rich, fudgy brownies and a smooth cheesecake layer in these Cheesecake Brownies. Easy to make and perfect for any dessert lover, they are sure to impress with their creamy texture and decadent flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sugar and continue to beat until well combined and fluffy.
- Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps in the mixture; it should be smooth and creamy.
- Once the brownie layer is ready, pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the brownie layer.
- To create a marbled effect, use a knife or a toothpick to swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie layer. Be careful not to mix them completely; you want to see both layers.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. Then, transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely cooled.
- Once chilled, remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and place them on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts.
- Serve the cheesecake brownies as they are, or dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra indulgent treat.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in chocolate chips or nuts into the brownie batter before baking. About 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips works wonderfully.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes