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Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe

4.9 from 9 reviews

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake combines the fudgy richness of a classic chocolate brownie base with the smooth, creamy tanginess of a traditional cheesecake topping, delivering a harmonious and indulgent dessert perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • 1 box (440g/15.25 oz) chocolate brownie mix
  • Eggs, oil, and water as required by the brownie mix instructions

Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 packages (250g/8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly to ensure the cheesecake can be released easily.
  2. Make brownie batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions, usually combining the brownie mix with eggs, oil, and water as specified.
  3. Bake brownie base: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the springform pan, spreading to cover the bottom completely. Bake for 30 minutes or until the brownie is set and a tester comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  4. Prepare cheesecake mixture: While the brownie is baking, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps.
  5. Add cheesecake layer: Once the brownie base is baked, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over it. There is no need to cool the brownie before adding the cheesecake layer.
  6. Lower oven temperature and bake: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C). Bake the combined layers for 50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set with slightly golden edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  7. Cool the cheesecake: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature. For best results, cool gradually with the oven door slightly open to prevent cracking.
  8. Chill before serving: Refrigerate the cheesecake for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up before removing from the pan and serving.
  9. Optional toppings: Before serving, consider drizzling with chocolate sauce, adding whipped cream, fresh berries, or dusting with cocoa powder to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the brownie layer initially; it needs to be slightly undercooked to avoid drying out through the second bake.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth, crack-free cheesecake layer.
  • Let the cheesecake cool slowly to prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
  • Chilling the cheesecake overnight improves texture and flavor.
  • A 9-inch springform pan is essential for easy removal and clean layers.
  • Variations include adding Oreo crumbs, peanut butter swirls, salted caramel drizzle, fresh fruit toppings, or making mini versions in muffin tins.
  • For gluten-free options, use gluten-free brownie mix or almond flour and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownie cheesecake, brownie bottom cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, layered dessert, rich dessert, easy cheesecake recipe, classic American dessert