Ultimate Brownie Cheesecake

Our last recipe for Chocolate Chip Brookies was such a hit, I used it as inspiration for the direction to go in for this recipe. We are entering our cheesecake phase, with many new cheesecake recipes to come (see below). To tie this particular cheesecake recipe with the brookies, I added a brownie crust. This time, instead of a brownie/cookie combination, we’ll have a brownie/cheesecake combination. Spoiler alert, it turned out to be a match made in heaven!

Ready? Let’s get started!

Ultimate Brownie Cheesecake Video

If you are a fan of fruitier options, we have a Strawberry Cheesecake with Strawberry Sauce, and an even easier Simple Raspberry Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe. Both of those options are a great fit for spring/summer, and you should check them out after this recipe.

Ultimate Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

To make this recipe easier, I will first list the ingredients for the brownie crust, then the cheesecake portion. The recipe instructions will follow that same order. The brownie layer will be completed first, followed by the cheesecake layer, then the final steps are listed.

While this recipe does have many detailed steps listed below, it is a straightforward and easy recipe.

Brownie Ingredients

• ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar
• 2 Large Eggs
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
• ¼ cup Cocoa Powder
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Cheesecake Ingredients

• 3 (8 oz) Packages of Cream Cheese, softened
• ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
• 3 Large Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ¼ cup of Sour Cream
• ¼ cup of Heavy Cream
• Whipped Cream (optional)

Instructions – Brownie Layer

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare 9 inch springform pan with cooking spray
2. Melt the stick of butter in a microwave safe bowl or glass in 30 second increments until the butter is fully melted. In my experience, it took (2) 30 second intervals to melt the butter, stirring in between. Pour the melted butter into a medium mixing bowl. Next, stir in the granulated sugar and mix for 2-3 minutes by using an electric or stand mixer. Mix until the butter and sugar are fully combined.
3. Slowly mix in the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before moving on to the next one. Then mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
4. Add in the flour and cocoa powder and mix until well-combined. Make sure the batter has a smooth consistency without any lumps. Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and make sure they are spread evenly throughout the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared 9″ springform pan and ensure it is spread evenly along the bottom.
6. Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the brownie layer to cool while you are making the cheesecake layer.

Instructions – Cheesecake Layer

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add in the eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding in the next.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until well combined.

Instructions – Combining & Finishing the Brownie Cheesecake

1. Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer. Use a spatula to make sure that the top is smooth and level.
2. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until the cheesecake is set, but the center is still slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the oven door slightly open (around 2″) for around 15 minutes.
4. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and run a knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen it.
5. Allow the cheesecake to cool for another 10 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. I recommend leaving in the fridge overnight.
6. Remove the cheesecake from the fridge and remove the springform ring.
7. Slice the cheesecake into pieces and add the optional whipped cream topping.

Now your Ultimate Brownie Cheesecake is ready to enjoy!

If you are a fan of this recipe, make sure to check out our German Chocolate Cheesecake. It’s another fun recipe that pairs chocolate with smooth cream cheese, see you there!