Cheesecake Brownies

Thick, chewy brownies filled with a layer of cheesecake swirled throughout. These cheesecake brownies are perfect for your next party or bake sale. Step-by-step photos help you make the perfect swirled cream cheese brownies!

Two of the most common dessert variations you'll find on my website are different kinds of brownies and cheesecakes. You see they are both absolutely incredible so it's only a natural inclination to combine the two. This is not the first time I have done this. Last year I made chocolate brownie cheesecake bars- they have a proper layer of cheesecake on them- you'll love them.

But these cheesecake brownies have cheesecake in the center so it's a layer swirl throughout. They are a little bite of heaven and quite easy to make.

Let's get to the recipe.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• How do you make cheesecake brownies
• Can you freeze brownies?
• Recipe Card
• Recipe Ratings & Comments

Ingredients

For the brownie part of the recipe, you can use a boxed mix or make homemade brownies. I prefer my homemade brownies. And I like to add some chocolate chips too!

For the creamy cheesecake layer you'll need:

• Cream Cheese. Wouldn't be cheesecake without cream cheese. Please just make sure it's completely softened to room temperature. To speed this up I will chop the cream cheese block into cubes and set it on a plate.
• Sugar. Since this is a dessert we need to add some sweetness.
• Egg. The egg helps create thickness and smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract. You don't have to add vanilla extract but I think it helps provide great flavor perfect against the chocolate brownie layer. Whatever you do use real vanilla, not imitation.

How do you make cheesecake brownies

Preheat the oven to 350F/180C and line an 8 or 9-inch pan with foil and heavily grease the pan. The foil overhangs and will help you pull the brownies out of the pan later so you don't accidentally break them. 

For the brownie batter you could use a box mix, or your favorite recipe, I like to use my thick and chewy brownie recipe. The beauty of my recipe is it's all mixed together in one large pot, fewer dishes make me happy!

If you want to see step-by-step photos to make the brownies make sure to check out my in-depth post on how I make my brownies.

Prepare the brownie batter and set aside. 

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a large bowl with a handheld electric mixer beat the cream cheese until light and smooth. If your cream cheese is not softened enough it will be lumpy. 

Add the sugar and mix for 30 seconds, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is fully combined. Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mix until fully combined.

The mixture may look curdled at first but keep mixing. 

Pour ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan then pour the cheesecake batter. Try to make pour the cheesecake batter in an even layer so you end up with an even cheesecake layer. Finally, use a small scoop or two spoons to scoop chunks of the remaining brownie batter on top.

If you are feeling frisky why not try scooping ½ cup peanut butter dollops and swirling those as well!! OR salted caramel!

Then use a dinner knife to first swirl the brownie batter into the cheesecake, I first go horizontal than vertical, don't over mix or you will lose the distinctive swirls.

Bake the brownies for 33-38 minutes, you can use a toothpick inserted in the center to check for any wet batter, only moist crumbs are okay. You may need to cook them longer than 38 minutes.

Obviously cooking in an 8-inch pan will require more cooking than a 9-inch pan, since the 9-inch pan will produce slightly thinner brownies.

These will cook longer than a normal brownie recipe because they are thicker with the cream cheese layer.

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before using the foil to remove. Ideally, you want the brownies to cool completely if you have the time.

Due to the cream cheese, you'll want to store leftover brownies in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can you freeze brownies?

Brownies are great for freezing. Once the brownies have cooled completely place them in an air-tight freezer-safe container.

To thaw the brownies let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or so, or place in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Just look at that gorgeous cheesecake swirled on top of the brownie layer.

For a fall inspired spin on this recipe check out my pumpkin cheesecake brownies recipe.

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★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!

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