Description
Indulge in a decadent Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake that perfectly combines rich, fudgy brownies with creamy cheesecake. Topped with warm hot fudge, fluffy whipped cream, crunchy nuts, maraschino cherries, and playful sprinkles, this dessert is a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce, warmed
- 1 cup whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 12 maraschino cherries with stems
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the brownie layer.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until fully incorporated.
- Bake Brownie Layer: Pour the brownie batter into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
- Prepare Cheesecake Batter: While the brownie bakes, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream, mixing well until the cheesecake batter is creamy and homogenous.
- Add Cheesecake Layer and Bake: Once the brownie layer has cooled slightly, pour the cheesecake batter evenly on top. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door ajar to cool gradually, which helps prevent cracking. After it cools, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours to allow it to fully set.
- Assemble Sundae Toppings: Before serving, top the cheesecake with warm hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, chopped nuts if using, maraschino cherries, and sprinkles for an extra festive touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake batter.
- The gradual cooling step is essential to prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer.
- You can substitute whipped cream with ice cream for a true sundae experience.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts.
- Use a water bath if desired for an even creamier cheesecake texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: brownie cheesecake, hot fudge sundae, layered dessert, chocolate cheesecake, sundae dessert
