If you’re ready to meet your new go-to treat, these Creamy cheesecake brownies are about to steal the show! Imagine the most irresistible marriage of deeply fudgy brownies and a silky, tangy cheesecake swirl—every bite is a delight, with a gorgeous marbled top and melt-in-your-mouth texture. They’re rich, decadent, and loaded with chocolate, but there’s still a brightness from the cream cheese that keeps you coming back for seconds (and thirds). This recipe is simple to make but feels like a true indulgence, perfect for any time you want to make dessert a little extra special.

Creamy cheesecake brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These dreamy Creamy cheesecake brownies start with a handful of classic ingredients. Each one brings its own magic, from rich chocolate flavor to creamy decadence or the perfect chewy texture. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each to guarantee your brownies come out bakery-worthy.

Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips (12 ounces): The foundation for deeply chocolatey brownies; choose high quality for the richest flavor.
Unsalted butter, cubed (6 tablespoons): Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth brownie crumb.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup + 1/2 cup): Sweetens both the brownie base and the cheesecake layer for perfectly balanced bites.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Boosts both chocolate and cream cheese flavors and adds warmth.
Eggs, room temperature (3 for brownies, 1 for cheesecake): Binds everything together and makes the brownies chewy and luscious.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Rounds out the chocolate flavor and deepens color.
Cornstarch (1/3 cup): Gives these brownies an extra tender, almost truffle-like crumb instead of classic wheat flour.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the sweet and chocolatey flavors.
Mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For little pockets of melty chocolate in every bite!
Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): The star of the cheesecake layer—make sure it’s fully softened for smooth mixing.

How to Make Creamy cheesecake brownies

Step 1: Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan, then line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the brownies out for slicing an absolute breeze—plus, it keeps the cheesecake swirl looking picture-perfect.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine your chocolate chips and cubed butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until it’s silky smooth and glossy. This is the gateway to that rich, fudgy brownie base, so don’t rush the stirring!

Step 3: Add Sugar and Vanilla

Stir the granulated sugar and vanilla extract into the melty chocolate-butter mixture. Mix until everything is fully combined—the sugar will cool the mixture slightly and give you a super shiny batter.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs One at a Time

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step gives the brownies their classic chewy texture and allows each egg to fully incorporate, ensuring an ultra-smooth, creamy batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold In

In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Add this mix to the wet ingredients and stir until the batter is completely smooth and just begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl—it should look thick, glossy, and irresistible.

Step 6: Add Mini Chocolate Chips and Layer

Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into your brownie batter. Pour two-thirds of this batter into the pan, and use a spatula to smooth the surface—this will be the base of your Creamy cheesecake brownies.

Step 7: Make Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s fluffy and lump-free. Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until the batter is silky and smooth—this is what creates that signature creamy swirl.

Step 8: Marble and Swirl

Spoon the cheesecake mixture gently over your brownie base and spread it evenly. Drizzle the remaining brownie batter over the top, then use a butter knife to create those gorgeous marbled swirls. Just a few gentle turns make for a stunning finish.

Step 9: Bake and Cool

Bake the Creamy cheesecake brownies for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let them cool completely in the pan—for the cleanest cuts and neatest swirl, patience pays off!

How to Serve Creamy cheesecake brownies

Garnishes

For a show-stopping presentation, try dusting your brownies with a touch of powdered sugar or a scattering of mini chocolate chips. You can also drizzle them with a bit of chocolate sauce, or add some fresh raspberries alongside for a pop of color and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Creamy cheesecake brownies are utterly decadent on their own, but if you’re serving them as part of a dessert spread, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream makes a dreamy pairing. Coffee, cold brew, or even a fruity tea round out the indulgence perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider slicing your brownies into small squares for a dessert tray, or use a round cookie cutter for a playful twist. For celebrations, stack brownie squares with fresh berries between layers, or pack them up in parchment for the ultimate homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The chilled brownies stay moist and the cheesecake layer keeps its creamy texture—some say they’re even better after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Arrange cut squares in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

Brownies are delicious cold or at room temperature, but if you want that just-baked taste, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate gets a touch gooier and the cheesecake a little softer—pure magic.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Absolutely! While semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate provide the best balance, you can substitute milk chocolate for a sweeter flavor or dark chocolate for an extra-intense treat. Adjust the sugar slightly if you’re switching chocolates to keep that perfect balance.

Why does my cheesecake swirl look messy?

If the swirl isn’t as defined, don’t stress—it’s all part of the homemade charm! For best results, add the cheesecake layer gently, and use just enough swirling to marble the layers without fully mixing them together.

Can I make these Creamy cheesecake brownies gluten free?

You’re in luck: this recipe calls for cornstarch instead of regular flour, so it’s naturally gluten free as written! Just double-check all your ingredient labels to be safe.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for the edges to be set and a toothpick inserted into the center to come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Overbaking will dry them out, so pull them as soon as you reach that perfect, fudgy center.

Can I double the recipe for a larger pan?

Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. The brownies will be just as thick and luscious, and perfect for a crowd.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Creamy cheesecake brownies, you’ll understand why they’re my hands-down favorite homemade treat. Bake up a batch soon and share them with friends—or keep them all for yourself (no judgment from me!). There’s just nothing quite like that rich, chocolatey bite with a ribbon of creamy cheesecake running through. Enjoy every little square!

Creamy cheesecake brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these decadent creamy cheesecake brownies. Rich, fudgy brownie layers are swirled with a creamy cheesecake filling for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.
Melt chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Combine sugar and vanilla: Stir in the sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add eggs: Mix in the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
Prepare dry ingredients: Whisk together the cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt, then add to the wet ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and pulls away from the sides.
Add mini chocolate chips: Fold in the mini chocolate chips and pour two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Prepare cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
Layer the batter: Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Drizzle the remaining brownie batter on top and swirl gently.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely before slicing.

Notes

You can customize these brownies by adding nuts or caramel swirls for extra flavor.
For a cleaner cut, chill the brownies in the refrigerator before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: creamy cheesecake brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, fudgy brownies, dessert recipe