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This Cheesecake Brownies recipe features rich and fudgy brownies with a ripple of sweet and tangy cheesecake filling. Surprisingly easy, these brownies are a simple recipe that’s right in between classic and classy (and gluten free too).
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy. While both batters are rich, the slightly tangy and creamy ricotta cheesecake is a perfect complement to the rich and fudgy brownies.
- Easy to make. Though these cheesecake brownies look fancy thanks to the cheesecake swirl, they’re no harder to make than any other brownies.
- Rich chocolate flavor. What’s a brownie without a rich chocolatey flavor and fudgy texture? This recipe offers both!
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: Oven
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free
- Skill Level: Moderate
Looking for more brownie recipes? Try my gluten free brownies, gluten free brookies, Baileys fudge brownies, Rocky Road brownies, and peanut butter cup brownies.
Ingredients
Most of the ingredients in this cheesecake brownies recipe are pantry staples. Scroll down to the recipe card below for measurements.
- Semisweet chocolate chips – Using semisweet chocolate gives these brownies a rich chocolate flavor.
- Butter – I used unsalted to control the salt level.
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Cocoa powder – Adds more chocolate flavor to the brownies.
- Almond meal – Used in place of flour in these cheesecake brownies.
- Salt – Helps to balance out the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract
- Whole milk ricotta cheese – The base of the cheesecake filling.
- Cream cheese – Be sure it’s at room temperature.
- Cornstarch
- Milk – A splash of milk helps to thin the cheesecake swirl.
- Lemon juice – Adds a slight tang to the filling.
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies
Here’s a quick overview of how to make these brownies. Scroll down to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Melt the chocolate. Melt the butter in a double boiler then add the chocolate chips and stir until melted.
- Make the batter. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar. Slowly add the melted chocolate then whisk in the remaining dry ingredients.
- Make the cheesecake filling. Combine the ricotta cheesecake ingredients and beat until smooth.
- Assemble. Pour 2/3 of the batter into a baking dish. Drizzle with the cheesecake mixture, then dollop of the rest of the brownie batter on top. Swirl with a butter knife.
- Bake. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes, until just set in the middle.
Tips for the Best Cheesecake Brownies
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making these swirled brownies:
- Line or grease the pan well. These will ensure that you can easily remove the brownies from the pan without them sticking to the bottom.
- Avoid overbaking. Bake your cheesecake brownies just until the center is set. Overbaking will make them less fudgy and more dry.
- Cool before slicing. Give your brownies time to cool before you slice them so that you can get clean cuts and the cheesecake filling doesn’t fall all over.
- Use quality chocolate. These brownies will taste as good as the chocolate you use so be sure to use a quality chocolate in the recipe.
Proper Storage for Brownies
- Fridge. Once they’ve cooled completely, store your cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 4 days.
- Freezer. You can also freeze these brownies. I find it easier to wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw in the fridge.
More Brownie Recipes To Try
Flourless Cheesecake Brownies
This Cheesecake Brownies recipe features rich and fudgy brownies with a ripple of sweet and tangy cheesecake filling. Surprisingly easy, these brownies are a simple recipe that's right in between classic and classy (and gluten free too).
Servings: 24
Ingredients
For the brownies:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 oz unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ cup almond meal
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Ricotta cheesecake batter:
- ½ cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 3 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 Tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 13×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler or a bowl set over a simmering pan of water, melt the butter, then add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar for a minute or two.
- Add melted chocolate mixture a little at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, almond meal, salt, and vanilla. Set the batter aside.
- Combine the Ricotta cheesecake ingredients in a bowl and beat until smooth.
- Pour about two thirds of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Drizzle the cheesecake mixture over the batter, then dollop the rest of the brownie batter on top, and swirl with a butter knife.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until just set in the middle.
- Cool completely in the pan before cutting.
Nutrition Facts
Flourless Cheesecake Brownies
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 164
Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Fat 9g14%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 52mg17%
Sodium 96mg4%
Potassium 99mg3%
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 13g14%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 200IU4%
Vitamin C 0.2mg0%
Calcium 42mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Disclaimers: Please discuss your individual dietary needs (i.e. gluten free) with a physician. Even when not specified, be sure to verify all ingredients are gluten free, if needed, by reading labels on all packaging and/or confirming with the manufacturer this varies by brand and can change at any time. Nutrition information shown is an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate.
Did you make this?
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These looking yummy. Have you ever made these in a smaller pan so that brownies are thicker?
I have not, but I used the same base recipe for my basic brownies and have made it in a square pan, so I think it will with a longer baking time. See this recipe – https://cupcakesandkalechips.com/gluten-free-brownies/
I am looking forward to making these during Passover and cannot us cornstarch (and hate the flavor or potato starch in baked goods), is cornstarch essential?
The cornstarch does stabilize the cheesecake swirl a bit. It will probably work without it, but might be a little softer. You could also try tapioca starch or potato starch.
Thank you for sharing !
Thank you for sharing !