Some desserts are good, and some are unforgettable. Brownie Cheesecake falls into the latter category, combining two iconic treats into one decadent masterpiece. Imagine a fudgy, rich brownie base topped with a creamy, velvety cheesecake layer, then finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. It’s indulgent, visually stunning, and surprisingly simple to make at home. Whether for a dinner party, holiday celebration, or a weekend treat, this dessert will wow anyone lucky enough to get a slice.
What Is Brownie Cheesecake?
Brownie Cheesecake is a layered dessert where a dense, chocolatey brownie forms the crust, supporting a luscious baked cheesecake filling. Once cooled, the entire creation is topped with a smooth chocolate ganache for an elegant finish. It’s the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake, offering a satisfying texture contrast in every bite.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
This recipe delivers:
- The best of both worlds—brownie and cheesecake in one
- A stunning presentation without complicated techniques
- A make-ahead dessert that tastes even better the next day
- Layers of contrasting flavors and textures that keep every bite exciting
Plus, it’s a showstopper that looks like it came from a high-end bakery.
How Does It Taste?
The first forkful gives you the dense, fudgy chew of brownie followed by the silky smooth tang of cheesecake. The chocolate ganache on top adds a luxurious melt-in-your-mouth finish, while the slight chill from refrigeration makes each bite even more refreshing and indulgent.
Health & Ingredient Benefits
While Brownie Cheesecake is a treat, it does offer some ingredient perks:
- Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants
- Eggs provide protein and structure
- Cream cheese contains calcium and healthy fats
- Dark chocolate in the ganache offers flavonoids that can benefit heart health
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the brownie base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp baking powder
For the cheesecake filling: - 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
For the ganache topping: - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Tools You’ll Need
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Saucepan for ganache

Optional Substitutions & Additions
- Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate in ganache for a richer flavor
- Add chopped nuts to the brownie layer for crunch
- Use flavored extracts like almond or coffee in the cheesecake layer
How to Make
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Make the brownie base: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Blend in vanilla and sour cream until creamy. Pour over cooled brownie layer.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make ganache: Heat cream until steaming, pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with whipped cream or chocolate curls if desired. Slice and serve.
What to Serve With
- Fresh berries for a burst of tartness
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
- Hot coffee or espresso to balance the richness
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake layer—it should still have a slight wobble in the center
- Cool gradually to prevent cracks
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the cheesecake batter—this can cause cracks
- Not lining the springform pan—makes it harder to release
- Pouring ganache over a warm cheesecake—can cause it to melt and run
How to Store & Reheat
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months
- Serve chilled—this cheesecake does not require reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it gluten-free? Yes, substitute the flour in the brownie base with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Can I use boxed brownie mix? Yes, just bake it in the springform pan for the base.
Can I skip the ganache? Yes, but it adds a beautiful finish and extra flavor.
Nutritional Info (approximate per slice)
Calories: 480
Protein: 7g
Fat: 31g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion dessert, combining rich chocolate brownie, creamy cheesecake, and silky ganache in one unforgettable bite. With its elegant look and indulgent taste, it’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to impress.
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Brownie Cheesecake – The Ultimate Dessert Mashup
- Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
Description
A decadent dessert featuring a fudgy brownie base topped with creamy cheesecake and finished with a rich chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
For the brownie base:
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking powder
For the cheesecake filling:
24 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
For the ganache topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Make the brownie base: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Spread evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes, then cool slightly.
Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Blend in vanilla and sour cream until creamy. Pour over cooled brownie layer.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set. Turn off oven and let cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour.
Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Make ganache: Heat cream until steaming, pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Spread over chilled cheesecake.
Garnish with whipped cream or chocolate curls if desired. Slice and serve.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth texture.
Cool cheesecake gradually to avoid cracks.
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate for the ganache.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Keywords: brownie cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, layered cheesecake, ganache cheesecake, decadent desserts
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