Rich brownie cheesecake with fudgy base, creamy cheesecake layer, and chocolate ganache topping.

Brownie Cheesecake – The Perfect Marriage of Fudgy and Creamy

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a brownie and a slice of cheesecake, unable to choose, I’ve got good news—you don’t have to. Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert hybrid: a rich, chocolatey brownie base topped with a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer. It’s indulgent, impressive, and surprisingly doable at home. This is the dessert that makes people ask for seconds before they’ve even finished their first slice.

Brownie Cheesecake: A Delicious Dessert Hybrid

Neat brownie cheesecake bars with chocolate ganache and shaved chocolate topping.

Think of it as the best of two worlds colliding in the tastiest way possible. The brownie layer gives you that dense, fudgy chew with deep cocoa flavor, while the cheesecake layer brings a silky, creamy balance that cuts through the richness. Every bite is a contrast—warm vs. cool, dense vs. airy, chocolate vs. tangy cream cheese—and that’s what keeps you going back for more.

How to Make Brownie Cheesecake

Brownie Cheesecake Brownie Layer

Ingredients

  • 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
  • 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 65g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep – Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly butter the sides.
  2. Melt the Chocolate & Butter – Use a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (or a microwave in short bursts). Stir until glossy and smooth.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients – Whisk in sugar, then eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients – Fold in flour and salt until just combined. (Don’t overmix—this keeps it fudgy.)
  5. Partial Bake – Pour into the pan and bake for 15 minutes only. This sets the base without drying it out.

Brownie Cheesecake Cheesecake Layer

Ingredients

  • 450g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120ml (½ cup) sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Lower Oven Temp – Reduce to 325°F (160°C) after brownie layer is done.
  2. Beat Cream Cheese & Sugar – Mix until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Add Eggs – One at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid too much air.
  4. Finish with Vanilla & Sour Cream – This gives the cheesecake its signature tang.
  5. Pour Over Brownie Layer – Spread evenly.
  6. Bake Gently – Bake for 45–50 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly.
  7. Cool Gradually – Turn oven off, crack door open, and let sit for 1 hour before removing.
  8. Chill – Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight is better).

Why Brownie Cheesecake is a Must-Try Dessert

It’s the texture contrast that seals the deal. The brownie is dense, chewy, and almost truffle-like, while the cheesecake is smooth, creamy, and cool. Together, they create a balanced bite that’s rich but not overwhelming. It’s perfect for celebrations, date nights, or just those Tuesdays when you need a pick-me-up.

Tips for Perfect Brownie Cheesecake Every Time

Brownie cheesecake with creamy layer, glossy chocolate ganache, and dark chocolate chunks.
  • Don’t Overbake the Brownie Layer – Remember, it’s going back in with the cheesecake.
  • Cool Cheesecake in the Oven – This prevents cracks.
  • Chill for at Least 4 Hours – This is non-negotiable for proper texture and flavor melding.

If you love Brownie Cheesecake, you might also enjoy:

Benefits of Brownie Cheesecake

BenefitWhy It Matters
Two Desserts in OneYou don’t have to choose between brownie and cheesecake.
Perfect Texture ContrastFudgy meets creamy for ultimate mouthfeel.
Crowd-PleaserIdeal for parties, holidays, and special occasions.
Make-Ahead FriendlyActually tastes better after a night in the fridge.
CustomizableAdd swirls, nuts, or flavored extracts for variety.

FAQ – Brownie Cheesecake

Q: Can I make Brownie Cheesecake ahead of time?

A: Absolutely. It tastes even better after a night in the fridge.

Q: Can I use boxed brownie mix?

A: Yes, but scratch-made gives you more control over texture and sweetness.

Q: Can I freeze Brownie Cheesecake?

A: Yes—wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Brownie Cheesecake isn’t just dessert—it’s an event. The combination of flavors, the layers of texture, and the sheer indulgence make it unforgettable. Take your time, follow the steps, and you’ll end up with a show-stopping treat that’ll have everyone thinking you’re a dessert genius. Slice it clean, serve it chilled, and watch it disappear. And if you love recipes like this, I invite you to visit my Pinterest page for more delicious dessert inspiration.

Print

Brownie Cheesecake – The Perfect Marriage of Fudgy and Creamy

The ultimate dessert hybrid with a rich, fudgy brownie base topped by a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer—perfectly indulgent and surprisingly easy to make.

  • Author: Emilio
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes + chilling time
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
  • 120g (½ cup) unsalted butter
  • 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 65g (½ cup) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • 450g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 150g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 120ml (½ cup) sour cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly butter the sides.
  2. Melt dark chocolate and butter over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts until smooth.
  3. Whisk in sugar, then eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
  4. Fold in flour and salt until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Pour into pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce temperature to 325°F (160°C).
  6. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  7. Add eggs one at a time on low speed, then mix in vanilla and sour cream.
  8. Pour cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 45–50 minutes until edges are set but the center slightly jiggles.
  10. Turn off oven, crack door, and let cool for 1 hour inside.
  11. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

For best texture, avoid overbaking both layers and chill overnight for optimal flavor melding.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 230mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: brownie cheesecake, chocolate, creamy dessert, baked cheesecake

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