Cheesecake Brownie Swirls (Printable)

Fudgy chocolate base with a creamy cheesecake swirl baked into rich, moist squares.

# What You Need:

→ Brownie Batter

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cheesecake Swirl

09 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until glossy.
03 - Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
04 - In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then beat until creamy and lump-free.
05 - Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
06 - Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer and use a knife or skewer to create a marbled swirl effect.
07 - Bake for 35 to 38 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
08 - Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using parchment overhang and cutting into squares.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • That perfect moment when cheesecake tanginess meets deep chocolate fudginess in a single bite.
  • The swirl pattern looks impressive enough to impress guests but comes together faster than you'd think.
  • One pan, one blissful dessert that somehow satisfies both chocolate cravings and creamy cake desires at once.
02 -
  • Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable; cold cream cheese creates lumps that won't disappear no matter how much you beat it.
  • The swirl is purely decorative—the real magic happens when they bake, and the layers naturally meld together into something transcendent.
  • Resist the urge to check them constantly; opening the oven door lets out heat and can cause the top to crack.
03 -
  • Use a hot knife dipped in water and wiped clean between cuts for cleaner edges on each square.
  • Line your pan with a parchment overhang on two sides so you can lift the whole thing out and then cut on a cutting board—this prevents crumbling and keeps your presentation perfect.
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