Marbled Cheesecake Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion with these rich and delectable Cheesecake Swirl Brownies. This recipe perfectly combines the intensely fudgy texture of classic brownies with the creamy, tangy delight of vanilla cheesecake, creating a treat that’s simply irresistible.

Prepare for rave reviews! These Cheesecake Brownies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, marrying two of the most beloved sweet treats into one harmonious bite. Every square offers a captivating dance between deep chocolate and luscious cream cheese, making it an instant crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Cheesecake Swirl Brownies lined up on a white ceramic tray with a red handle fork

Contents

Why You Must Make These Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Are you a devoted fan of both decadent chocolate brownies and the smooth, rich texture of cheesecake? If so, this extraordinary recipe for Cheesecake Swirl Brownies is calling your name! It’s not just about combining two desserts; it’s about elevating them into something truly spectacular.

Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the best of both worlds with every bite – the intense, dark chocolate notes of a fudgy brownie perfectly complemented by the bright, creamy tang of vanilla cheesecake. It’s a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.
Perfect Portion Control: Unlike a large, imposing cheesecake, these brownies can be easily portioned into smaller squares. This makes them ideal for sharing, dessert platters, or simply enjoying a delightful indulgence without feeling overwhelmed.
Visually Stunning: The beautiful marbled effect, created by swirling the two batters, makes these brownies as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate. They look sophisticated and impressive, making them perfect for potlucks, parties, or a special treat at home.
Simply Delicious: Beyond the fancy swirl and dual flavors, these brownies are, quite simply, darn tasty! They are rich, moist, and satisfying, guaranteeing smiles and satisfied sighs from anyone who tries them.
A Unique Baking Project: For bakers looking for a project that’s both rewarding and achievable, this recipe offers a chance to create something truly special with straightforward steps. The marbling technique, while appearing complex, is surprisingly simple to master.

3 Cheesecake Swirl Brownies stacked on a small plate.

How to Create a Perfect Cheesecake Swirl in Brownies

Achieving that mesmerizing marbled effect might seem like a fine art, but rest assured, it’s simpler than you think. When it comes to these cheesecake brownies, perfection isn’t the goal—beautiful, rustic swirls are! Forget overly complicated techniques; this method is foolproof and delivers stunning results every time. I genuinely believe this recipe stands out as the best for cheesecake brownies you’ll ever try. Here’s how to master the swirl:

Foundation Layer: Begin by carefully spreading about two-thirds of your rich, fudgy brownie batter evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking pan. This forms the solid base for your dessert masterpiece.
Creamy Core: Next, gently pour the entire cheesecake batter mixture directly over the brownie layer, spreading it out to create an even, creamy canvas. The contrast in colors will already start to look appealing!
Dollop the Rest: Take the remaining one-third of the brownie batter and dollop it in generous spoonfuls randomly across the surface of the cheesecake layer. Don’t worry about perfect placement; the beauty is in the organic randomness.
The Swirl Technique: Now for the magic! Grab the tip of a table knife or a skewer. Insert it just into the cheesecake batter, gently cutting through the brownie dollops and swirling in a smooth motion. Avoid pressing down to the bottom brownie layer too much, as this can muddy the distinct layers.
PRO-Tip for an Elegant Swirl: To achieve a graceful and distinct swirl pattern, I recommend making a simple, extended “S” line back and forth across the pan, from one long side to the other. This prevents overworking the batter, which can cause the colors to blend too much. Less is often more when it comes to marbling; aim for fewer, bolder swirls rather than many small, intricate ones. You’ll find that a minimalist approach often yields the most visually appealing results, allowing the distinct layers to shine through beautifully.

Chocolate batter swirled into cheesecake batter before baking in photo number 2, then next to it is a photo of the brownies after they're baked.

Recipe Tips: Achieve Perfectly Fudgy Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Creating an ultra-creamy, smooth cheesecake layer and a perfectly fudgy brownie base requires attention to a few universal baking tips. While this recipe simplifies the process, these key insights will ensure your cheesecake swirl brownies are nothing short of exceptional.

PRO-Tip: Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Crucial: For a silky-smooth cheesecake batter, your cream cheese absolutely must be at room temperature. If it’s cold, you’ll end up with stubborn, unblended specks of cream cheese throughout your batter, creating a lumpy texture. Plan ahead and set it out on the counter an hour or two before you intend to start mixing. In a pinch, you can remove the cream cheese from its box, keep it sealed in its foil wrapper, and place it in a bowl of very warm (not hot!) water for about 15-20 minutes to speed up the softening process.
Eggs Also Prefer Room Temperature: Just like cream cheese, eggs incorporate more easily and evenly into batter when they are at room temperature. Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize slightly or prevent proper emulsion. If you forget to take them out in advance, simply place them in a bowl of warm (again, not boiling!) water for about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to cook the eggs!
Mix the Cheesecake Batter at a Lower Speed: When preparing the cheesecake portion, resist the urge to beat it on high speed. High-speed mixing incorporates too much air into the batter, which can lead to cracks in a full-sized cheesecake and a less dense, creamy texture in your brownie swirl. For a truly rich and smooth result, mix at a lower speed. While a stand mixer with a paddle attachment is ideal for preventing whipping, a hand mixer on its lowest setting works perfectly for this recipe.
Incorporate Eggs One at a Time: When adding eggs to the cheesecake batter, introduce them one at a time, mixing just until each egg is combined before adding the next. This method helps to create a more stable emulsion and ensures each egg is fully incorporated without overmixing the batter.
Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to your brownie mixture, mix only until just combined. Overmixing flour can develop gluten, leading to tougher, cake-like brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. A few streaks of flour are perfectly fine and will disappear during baking.

The resulting taste of these brownies is so incredibly good that it became a delightful challenge to keep them around! I often find myself sending plates home with friends and family, not just as a generous gesture, but also to save my own hands from the temptation. It truly is a wonderful, balanced combination of rich brownies and smooth, decadent cheesecake.

Overhead view of a tray of cheesecake brownies with two red handled forks.

Celebrate with Mardi Gras Recipes and Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Mardi Gras, also known as “Fat Tuesday,” is a vibrant and joyous celebration that culminates the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the solemn Lenten season. It’s a time-honored tradition to indulge in rich, flavorful foods and festive drinks before the period of fasting and reflection. Whether your celebration embraces the spicy zest of Cajun and Creole cuisine or opts for classic Fat Tuesday fare like a beautiful King Cake or fluffy pancakes, these Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are an absolute must-add to your celebratory menu!

Their decadent nature and impressive appearance make them a perfect fit for a feast designed for indulgence. They offer a sweet counterpoint to savory dishes and are a delightful way to embrace the spirit of merriment. Consider pairing them with some other fantastic Mardi Gras-inspired dishes:

30 Minute Creole Jambalaya from A Daily Dish of Life
Roasted Creole Edamame
Chicken Jambalaya Soup
Sausage and Chicken Gumbo
Cheesy Shrimp and Grits
Easy King Cake
Bananas Foster
Explore more of the Best Holiday Recipes for year-round celebration ideas!

This delightful recipe for Cheesecake Swirl Brownies was originally introduced in March 2014, perfectly timed for Mardi Gras festivities. The photographs and accompanying text were thoughtfully updated in 2020 to enhance your baking experience.

The Recipe:

Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Yield
24 brownies

A rich, delicious brownie and cheesecake combination adapted from Maida Heatter.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars based on 18 reviews

Ingredients

Brownie batter:

8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
6 tablespoons butter
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
4 eggs
1 ½ cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cheesecake batter:

8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with foil, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal, and grease it with butter or use non-stick foil.
Gently melt the semi-sweet chocolate and 6 tablespoons of butter in the microwave in short intervals (30 seconds at a time), stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
In an electric mixer, beat the 4 eggs until light and foamy.
Add 1 ½ cups of sugar and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the eggs and beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is thick and pale.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually mix in the melted chocolate until just combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift the dry ingredients into your mixer bowl with the wet brownie batter and combine on low speed, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
In a clean bowl, beat the 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese and 4 tablespoons of room temperature butter together until perfectly smooth and creamy.
Add ½ cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat well. Add the two eggs, one at a time, beating until each is just combined and the batter is smooth.
Remove approximately 1 ½ cups of the brownie batter and set it aside.
Spread the remaining brownie batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer and gently spread it to cover the chocolate base completely.
Drop heaping tablespoons of the reserved brownie batter over the top of the cream cheese layer, spacing them out randomly.
Using a table knife or a skewer, gently cut through the brownie dollops and swirl them into the cream cheese layer to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to mix too vigorously or reach the bottom brownie layer.
Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Cool completely on a wire rack for several hours, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Total time listed does not include the essential cooling and chilling time required for the best texture and clean cuts.

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