Easy Homemade Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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Looking for a quick and decadent dessert that combines two of your favorite treats? These cheesecake brownies are the perfect indulgence, offering the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake topping. Easy to make with just a box of brownie mix and a few simple ingredients, this dessert is sure to impress at any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or a potluck, these irresistible marbled brownies will quickly become a favorite on your dessert table!

Cheesecake brownies with a marbled chocolate and cheesecake topping, served on a plate.

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Why Youโ€™ll Love Cheesecake Brownies

  • Irresistible flavor combination: These cheesecake brownies are the best of both worlds, with rich and fudgy brownies topped with a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer. The contrast of textures and flavors makes every bite a delightful treat.

  • Quick and easy to make: Using a simple box of brownie mix, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes of prep time. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, itโ€™s the perfect dessert for busy days when you need something indulgent fast.

  • Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, party, or holiday gathering, these cheesecake brownies will be a hit with everyone. Their marbled appearance makes them look as impressive as they taste.

  • Customizable: You can add extra ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of caramel to the batter to make them your own. This versatile recipe is easy to adjust to your taste preferences.

  • Great for leftovers: These brownies stay fresh for up to three days, making them a great option for making ahead of time or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

A hand swirling the cheesecake topping into brownie batter in a square baking dish, creating a marbled effect for cheesecake brownies.

Ingredients For Cheesecake Brownies

  • Brownie Mix โ€“ The base of this recipe is a standard 18.25 oz box of brownie mix, which saves you time while still delivering rich, fudgy brownies.

  • Water โ€“ Just 3 tablespoons of water is needed to help bring the brownie mix together and create a moist texture.

  • Vegetable Oil โ€“ Adds moisture and gives the brownies their soft, tender consistency.

  • Eggs โ€“ Two large eggs for the brownie mix and one large egg for the cheesecake topping, providing structure and a smooth texture.

  • Cream Cheese โ€“ A key ingredient for the cheesecake topping, cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the brownies.

  • White Sugar โ€“ Sweetens the cheesecake topping, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

A top-down view of marbled cheesecake brownies, showcasing the creamy cheesecake swirled.

Kitchen Tools Youโ€™ll Need To Make Cheesecake Brownies

  • 8×8-inch Baking Dish โ€“ A smaller baking dish than the standard 9×13, perfect for the adjusted portion size of 16-18 brownies.

  • Medium Mixing Bowl โ€“ To combine the brownie mix, water, oil, and eggs.

  • Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk โ€“ For beating the cream cheese, egg, and sugar into a smooth cheesecake topping.

  • Table Knife โ€“ Use a table knife to gently swirl the cheesecake topping into the brownie batter, creating that marbled effect.

A hand slicing freshly baked marbled cheesecake brownies, showcasing the smooth, swirled layers of cheesecake and brownie.

How To Make Cheesecake Brownies

  • Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brownie mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until smooth and well combined. Spread the brownie mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

  • In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, and sugar using an electric mixer or hand whisk until smooth and creamy.

  • Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Using a table knife, swirl the two batters together gently to create a marbled effect.

  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

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  • Allow the brownies to cool completely in the dish before cutting them into 16-18 squares and serving.

Three marbled cheesecake brownies on a white plate, beautifully lit with natural light, showcasing their rich, swirled layers of chocolate and cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

Tips For Success

  • Donโ€™t Overmix the Brownie Batter โ€“ Stir the brownie batter just until combinedโ€”overmixing can lead to dense brownies.

  • Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese โ€“ Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother cheesecake topping. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps.

  • Check the Brownies Early โ€“ Ovens can vary, so start checking your brownies at around 20 minutes to ensure they donโ€™t overbake. The brownies should be set, but moist, and the cheesecake topping should be slightly golden.

  • Let the Brownies Cool Completely โ€“ Allow the brownies to cool fully before cutting. This helps them set properly, making them easier to slice and serve.

  • Add Extra Flavor โ€“ If you like, fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirl some caramel or peanut butter into the batter for added flavor.

Variations And Substitutions

  • Dairy-Free Version โ€“ Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace the eggs with a flax egg or egg replacer for a dairy-free and egg-free option.

  • Add-ins โ€“ For extra flavor, fold in some chocolate chips, swirl in caramel, or add chopped nuts to the brownie batter before baking.

  • Gluten-Free โ€“ Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make these brownies gluten-free, and ensure your cream cheese and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

  • Storage โ€“ Store any leftover cheesecake brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days.

  • Reheating โ€“ To enjoy warm brownies, microwave a square for 10-15 seconds or warm them up in the oven at 350ยฐF for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these brownies a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness. They actually taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

Can I freeze these cheesecake brownies?

Absolutely! These cheesecake brownies freeze well. Simply cut them into squares and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

Can I use a different brownie mix?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite brownie mix! Whether itโ€™s a fudgy or cake-like mix, the cheesecake topping will still complement it beautifully.

Whatโ€™s the best way to cut these brownies?

To get clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to help them set and avoid them falling apart.

Can I make these without the cheesecake topping?

Yes, if you’re in the mood for classic brownies, simply skip the cheesecake topping and bake the brownies as directed on the box.

Other Easy Brownies Recipes

White Chocolate Chip Vanilla Brownies โ€“ These soft and chewy vanilla brownies are studded with creamy white chocolate chips, making for a sweet and irresistible treat.

Air Fryer Brownies โ€“ Perfectly fudgy and quick, these air fryer brownies are made from a box mix and ready in just a fraction of the time.

Reindeer Brownie Treats โ€“ These fun, festive reindeer-shaped brownies are a creative and delicious holiday dessert that everyone will love.

Cookie Dough Brownie Bars โ€“ Combining the best of both worlds, these decadent cookie dough brownie bars feature a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with raw edible cookie dough.

Chocolate Brownies โ€“ These classic chocolate brownies are dense, fudgy, and full of deep cocoa flavor, perfect for any chocolate lover.

Nutella Mug Brownie โ€“ Ready in minutes, this quick and easy Nutella mug brownie is a single-serving dessert thatโ€™s rich, gooey, and perfectly indulgent.

Low-Carb Keto Brownies โ€“ These keto-friendly brownies made with almond flour offer all the chocolatey goodness without the carbs, making them a guilt-free treat.

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Cheesecake Brownies

These irresistible cheesecake brownies combine the rich fudgy texture of brownies with a smooth and creamy cheesecake topping. Perfect for a quick and decadent dessert, these brownies are made using a simple brownie mix and a dreamy cream cheese filling that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With minimal prep and a delicious payoff, this treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cheesecake brownies, easy dessert, fudgy brownies, quick dessert recipe
Cooking Method: Baking
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 18
Calories: 249kcal

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Ingredients

For the Brownie Mix

  • 18.25 oz 1 package of brownie mix
  • 3 tbsp water
  • ยฝ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs

For the Cheesecake Topping

  • 8 oz cream cheese 1 package, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • โ…“ cup white sugar

Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)

  • 8x8-inch baking dish
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Table knife for swirling

Instructions

  • Set your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brownie mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well blended. Spread the brownie mixture evenly in the prepared 8x8-inch dish.
  • In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, and sugar until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer or whisk.
  • Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter. Using a table knife, gently swirl the two batters together to create a marbled effect.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Allow the brownies to cool completely in the dish before cutting them into 16-18 squares and serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, add chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking.
  • You can make these ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Nutrition

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 134mg | Potassium: 27mg | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 209IU | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg
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