Cheesecake brownies are one of those ingenious dessert hybrids that just makes sense. The brownies act as the base, then a layer of cheesecake is swirled on top with a little extra brownie batter. The treat is finished with a rich chocolate frosting that may feel a little overdramatic, but why not? A dessert as decadent and crowd-pleasing as our cheesecake brownie recipe deserves all the stops.
Ingredients for Cheesecake Brownies
- Brownie mix: Using one of the best brownie mix brands will make all the difference in the quality of your cheesecake brownies recipe. Check the instructions on the back of the package to make sure the brownies bake in a 13×9-inch pan.
- Cream cheese: I like to take my cream cheese out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting the recipe so the block has time to soften. Take the butter and eggs out, too, as they also need to be at room temperature.
- Butter: The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons butter, which is a little less than one stick.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake mixture.
- All-purpose flour: We need a little bit of all-purpose flour to bind the cheesecake mixture so it doesn’t curdle and pool in the brownies.
- Vanilla extract: As an avid baker, splurging for the best vanilla extract at the store is always worth it in my opinion.
- Eggs: Lightly beat the two eggs in a bowl so you don’t have to beat them as much with the other cheesecake ingredients. Over-whipped eggs will cause your cheesecake to puff up and deflate after baking.
- Chocolate frosting: We keep the final touch of this cheesecake brownies recipe easy with a store-bought chocolate frosting.
Directions
Step 1: Whip up the brownie batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare the brownie mix batter according to the package directions. Spread 2 cups into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish, and set aside.
Step 2: Make the cheesecake batter
In a small bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese, butter, sugar, flour and vanilla until smooth. Add the lightly beaten eggs and beat on low speed just until combined. Spread the cheesecake batter evenly over the brownie batter.
Step 3: Swirl the layers
Top the cheesecake batter with the remaining brownie batter. Cut through the two top batters with a knife to swirl.
Step 4: Bake the brownies
Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs (brownies may appear moist), 28 to 32 minutes.
Step 5: Decorate with the frosting
Cool the cheesecake brownies completely to room temperature on a wire rack. Spread the chocolate frosting over the brownies. Slice and serve!
Editor’s Tip: To make sharp, clean cuts, run a chef’s knife under hot water, wipe off the water with a clean towel, then make your first cut. Repeat these steps for every cut. It’s worth it!
Recipe Variations
- Toss in fruit: Swirl a bit of your favorite jam into the cheesecake-brownie layer. We also love tossing fresh raspberries into the cheesecake batter. Don’t use a fresh fruit that’s excessively watery, though, or the cheesecake batter will break.
- Add your favorite mix-ins: Make this cheesecake brownie recipe uniquely yours by adding favorite mix-ins to the brownie layer, to the cheesecake layer or on top of the frosting as a garnish. Try toffee pieces, mini M&Ms, chopped Reese’s, Oreo pieces, peanuts or crushed peppermint candy if the season calls for it.
- Leave off the frosting: The chocolate frosting is not a make-or-break for these brownies. Feel free to leave it off if it’ll be too rich for you.
- Introduce another flavor: Ready to take the cheesecake brownies recipe up a notch? Bake our cookies and cream brownies for an Oreo version or our pumpkin cheesecake brownies to welcome fall.
How to Store Cheesecake Brownies
Save those leftovers! Wrap your cheesecake brownie pan with storage wrap or transfer the slices to an airtight container, being mindful of the frosting. The cheesecake brownies can be kept in the fridge for up to four days.
Can you freeze cheesecake brownies?
Yes, you can freeze cheesecake brownies. Wrap the pan in storage wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or transfer the slices to a freezer-safe container. The brownies can be kept in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Cheesecake Brownie Tips
Can you bake these cheesecake brownies in a different pan?
Yes, you can bake our cheesecake brownie recipe in a different pan. According to our baking pan conversions guide, replacements for a 13×9-inch pan include a 12-inch skillet, two 8-inch square pans or two 9-inch round pans.
Can you make the brownies and chocolate frosting from scratch?
Yes, you can definitely make your own brownies and chocolate frosting. If you prefer the taste of homemade bakes over store-bought mixes, check out our best fudgy brownies recipe and our homemade chocolate buttercream frosting.
