If you love rich, fudgy brownies and the creamy decadence of cheesecake, then these fudgy cheese brownies are about to become your new favorite dessert! Imagine biting into a thick, chocolatey brownie swirled with a luscious cream cheese layer—each bite is the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and tangy, velvety smoothness.
These brownies are super easy to make, require just a handful of ingredients, and are absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a potluck, or just treating yourself (because why not?!), this recipe is a must-try!
Why You’ll Love These Fudgy Cheese Brownies
- Super fudgy texture – These brownies are rich, gooey, and chocolate-packed!
- Creamy cheesecake layer – The cream cheese swirl adds a delightful tangy contrast.
- Easy to make – No fancy ingredients or techniques required!
- Perfect for any occasion – Great for parties, holidays, or just because.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness!)
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Toothpick or knife (for swirling the layers)
How to Make Fudgy Cheese Brownies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Pour ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, saving the rest for later.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Swirl It Together
Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in dollops. Then, add the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. (You want them fudgy, not dry!)
6. Cool & Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before slicing. For even cleaner cuts, chill them in the fridge for an hour first.
What to Serve with Fudgy Cheese Brownies
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The warm brownie + cold ice cream = pure heaven!
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce – For extra indulgence.
- Fresh berries – The tanginess of raspberries or strawberries balances the richness.
- A hot cup of coffee or milk – Perfect for dunking!
Tips for the Best Brownies
- Use full-fat cream cheese – For the creamiest, most luscious swirl.
- Don’t overbake! – The brownies will continue cooking as they cool.
- For extra fudginess, chill the brownies before serving.
- Want a deeper chocolate flavor? Use dark cocoa powder instead of regular.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator
Keep in the fridge for up to a week for the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
FAQs About Fudgy Cheese Brownies
1. Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Just prepare the mix as directed and follow the same steps for adding the cream cheese swirl.
2. How do I make these extra chocolatey?
Use dark cocoa powder and add chocolate chunks or melted chocolate to the batter.
3. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
4. What if my cream cheese swirl sinks?
Make sure the cream cheese mixture is thick and not too runny, and gently swirl it in rather than mixing it too deeply.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
These fudgy cheese brownies are the ultimate mashup of rich, chocolatey goodness and creamy cheesecake deliciousness. They’re easy to make, incredibly indulgent, and always a crowd-pleaser!
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out! And don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later!
Looking for more chocolatey desserts? Try these next:
- Triple Chocolate Muffins
- Chocolate Lava Cakes
- Cream Cheese Swirl Brownie Bites
Happy baking! 🍫💕