Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
These rich and delectable Cheesecake Swirl Brownies combine two of my favorite desserts: fudgy brownies and vanilla cheesecake!
With two of the most beloved dessert recipes in one, Cheesecake Brownies always get rave reviews!
Why You Must Make
- If you are a fan of both cheesecake and brownies, this recipe is for you!!
- These decadent treats can be dished out in smaller portions than a cheesecake, so there’s less guilt when you indulge.
- Plus, they’re darn tasty!
How to Marbleize Brownies
I still haven’t perfectly mastered the fine art of marbling, but it really doesn’t matter when it comes to these brownies. Throw away all those other recipes for cheesecake brownies as this one is THE best. I promise.
- Start by layering part of the brownie batter, then all the cheesecake batter.
- Next, dollop the rest of the brownie batter across the surface.
- Take the point of a table knife, insert it just into the cheesecake batter and swirl your way through the blobs of brownie batter.
- PRO-Tip: I like to make a simple extended “S” line back and forth from one long side to another. It looks better when you don’t overwork your swirls. I would do less than the above photo next time.
Recipe Tips:
If you want an ultra-creamy cheesecake, there are a few universal tips for mixing and baking. In this recipe, there are only a few of these that apply to making the cheesecake portion.
- PRO-Tip: First, to make your cheesecake batter silky smooth, the cream cheese must be at room temperature. If you use it cold, there will be small specks of unblended cream cheese throughout the batter.
- Set out the cream cheese on the counter an hour or two before I plan to start mixing. If you need to hurry the process along, you can take the cream cheese out of the box and put the sealed cream cheese packet into a bowl of very warm water.
- The eggs will also incorporate more easily if they’re also at room temperature. Like with the cream cheese, if you forget to set them out early, you can place them in a bowl of hot, not boiling water. You definitely don’t want to cook your eggs!
- Also, mix the batter at a lower speed. If you beat it on high speed, you’ll incorporate air into the batter which is undesirable. With full-sized cheesecakes, I use my stand mixer with a paddle attachment to prevent whipping the batter. But this recipe can be made with a hand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time, which also aids in incorporating them into the batter.
These ended up tasting so good, in fact, that I sent a plate home with Tom and another back with Nick, who was visiting for the weekend, just to keep my little paws away from the temptation. It’s truly a wonderful combination of brownies and cheesecake.
Mardi Gras Recipes
Mardi Gras is the huge celebration that culminates on Fat Tuesday, the day prior to Ash Wednesday. It’s the time to indulge in food and drink before the solemn season of Lent begins. Whether you serve Cajun, Creole, or classic Fat Tuesday fare like Kings Cake or pancakes, you’ll want to add these Cheesecake Swirl Brownies to your menu!
- 30 Minute Creole Jambalaya from A Daily Dish of Life
- Roasted Creole Edamame
- Chicken Jambalaya Soup
- Sausage and Chicken Gumbo
- Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
- Easy King Cake
- Bananas Foster
- More of the Best Holiday Recipes
This recipe was first shared in March 2014, right before Mardi Gras. Photos and text were updated in 2020.
Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
A rich, delicious brownie and cheesecake combination adapted from Maida Haetter.
Ingredients
Brownie batter:
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
Cheesecake batter:
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 4 tablespoons butter at room temperature
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350º. Line 9×13 pan with foil and grease with butter or use non-stick foil.
- Melt chocolate and the 6 tablespoons of butter gently in the microwave. Stir till smooth. Set aside.
- Beat the 4 eggs in an electric mixer till foamy. Add the sugar and vanilla and beat on high 3-4 minutes. On low, mix in chocolate. Sift dry ingredients into your mixer bowl and combine on low speed, scraping sides of bowl as needed.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add vanilla and sugar and beat well. Add the two eggs and beat until well combined.
- Remove 1 1/2 cups of brownie batter and set aside. Spread the remaining brownie batter into the bottom of prepared pan. Next, carefully pour on the cream cheese mixture and spread to cover chocolate. Drop heaping tablespoons of the reserved brownie batter over top of cream cheese. Use a knife to cut through the chocolate just into the cream cheese layer to swirl and marbleize the batter.
- Bake for about 40 minutes. Cool on counter for a few hours, then chill before cutting. Store in refrigerator.
Notes
Total time does not include cooling time.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
24Serving Size:
1 brownieAmount Per Serving: Calories: 224Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 69mgSodium: 129mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gProtein: 3g
70 Comments on “Cheesecake Swirl Brownies”
Oh mine….no supper for me either. These brownies will do. They look just delicious! Love the combo! 🙂 ela
Mardi Gras sounds like a lot more fun than lent. With food like this around, it would be agony.
Lizzy,
You are so good to give up cookie dough for Lent. I don’t usually give up anything. I just bake tons of goodies to tempt those who give up things for Lent (insert evil laughter).
These brownies would be the perfect temptation.
Annamaria
Cheesecake AND brownie? Yes, please!
Brownie and cheesecake….two heavenly treats in one! Awesome!
You are a bad, bad girl sharing these sinful brownies, Liz! Seriously Cheesecake AND Brownies oh my heavens! I’ve been thinking about giving brownies up for Lent, I better make these quick!
Thanks for sharing, Liz…
P.s. That’s some impressive list. Oh where to begin???
I haven’t mastered the art of swirling yet either, Liz. I am always in awe when I see someone’s delicious dessert and the colors look like they were painted on with a feathered paintbrush. How do they do that?! I keep telling myself, so I’ll tell you too, it’s the taste that matters! So, I happen to think your brownies are gorgeous.
Ok these are next on my to bake list. They just look delicious!
Mmm Does look like you’ve concocted chocolately cheesecake goodness, Liz…Bravo for even attempting to give up cookie dough!
These look amazing! Cheesecake and brownies– really a match made in heaven!
I completely go with you! these look deliciously insane…… never tried cheesecake brownies at home… guess this would definitely be worth trying….
Yep, my Peter will love these ones too, Lizzy, great recipe! Thanks xox
…MMM those looks delicious, and beautiful too!! Nothing better than to mix chocolate brownies and cheesecake! 🙂
Check out my Southern Strawberry Pie!
Michael 😉
http://michaelswoodcraft.wordpress.com/2014/02/25/best-ever-strawberry-pie/
I miss brownies so much. Looks like I hadn’t baked them for more than 2 months. Definitely have to solve this brownie problem!
I’ll DM you my address for any leftovers!
You make the best looking brownies! I want to grab one through my screen.
They looks swirled perfectly, man, I need better technique!
What decadent bownies! Love the beautiful marbling Liz:)
Cheeers,
J+C
Cheesecake swirl brownies are my fav! Great bake 🙂
Lizzy Look perfect and delicious:))