There’s nothing quite like the combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake, am I right? Cheesecake brownies are one of those delightful desserts that seem to have it all – the fudgy, dense texture of brownies paired with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake. I remember the first time I made these beauties; I had a group of friends over, and I thought, “What could be better than regular brownies?” So, after some thought and a bit of experimentation, I decided to whip up a batch of cheesecake brownies. Let’s just say they vanished in minutes, and I had to fight off some of my friends for the last piece!
What makes this recipe so special is not only its delightful blend of flavors but also how easy it is to make. If you’ve ever been intimidated by chocolate desserts, I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time. Whether it’s a casual gathering, a family dinner, or simply a sweet treat after a long day, these cheesecake brownies are a surefire crowd-pleaser that will leave you craving more!
What’s in Cheesecake Brownies?
Dark Chocolate: This is the star player in the brownie base. I love using high-quality dark chocolate for that rich flavor. Brands like Ghirardelli or Lindt never let me down!
Butter: This adds that silky richness and helps create that decadent gooey texture everyone loves. Using unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness of your treats.
Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar for sweetness in the brownie and powdered sugar for the cheesecake layer gives that perfect texture without any graininess.
Eggs: The magic binding agent! They help both the brownies and cheesecake set perfectly.
Flour: Just a bit of all-purpose flour to give those brownies their structure and chewiness.
Cream Cheese: This provides that rich, creamy layer that makes cheesecake so delightful. Go for full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor!
Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract elevates flavors and adds warmth to both layers. I always opt for pure vanilla extract if possible!
Is Cheesecake Brownies Good for You?
Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Can dessert ever be healthy?” Well, while cheesecake brownies are indulgent and certainly a treat, they do have some redeeming qualities.
Dark Chocolate: Rich in antioxidants and can actually taste great while providing a hint of health benefits – just remember to enjoy in moderation!
Cream Cheese: Offers a bit of calcium and protein, but it’s best in smaller doses.
However, let’s not kid ourselves; these brownies are a dessert! They should be savored occasionally rather than being your daily treat. Enjoy them in moderation, and pair them with fresh fruit or a glass of milk for a little balance!
Ingredients
– Serves: 12
– 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1 additional egg (for the cheesecake layer)
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Melt them gently over a saucepan of simmering water (or in short bursts in the microwave), stirring until smooth.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the granulated sugar until well combined. Then add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by vanilla extract.
4. Gradually stir in the flour until just combined, being careful not to over-mix.
5. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese. Add powdered sugar and the additional egg, mixing until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Carefully dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the batter, and then top with the rest of the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the two layers together; we want beautiful marbling here!
7. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some moist crumbs.
8. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting them into squares. Serve up and enjoy!
Extra Yummy Tips for Cheesecake Brownies
– If you want to kick it up a notch, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie layer for extra texture!
– Don’t skip the cooling time; it’s important for the layers to set properly. Trust me, your patience will pay off!
– These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to five days. However, I doubt they’ll last that long – they’re that good!
I hope you give these cheesecake brownies a try! I can almost smell that chocolatey goodness filling your kitchen as I write this. And when you do, please let me know how they turned out! I’d love to hear about your own experiences and any delightful twists you might add to the recipe! Happy baking!