Beginning a new year usually inspires us to try new things such as spicing up the old in a new way. What better way to celebrate a new year than by taking two classic desserts–brownies and cheesecake–and putting them together to create a delectable new treat? I particularly love the homemade brownie layer–a friend’s recipe that I have made just a few changes to. The fudgy, chocolaty goodness of the brownie layer pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy cheesecake. Add a swirl of brownie batter to the top for an extra impressive presentation of this perfect combination!
Begin by gathering the following ingredients:
For the brownies:
1 stick of butter, melted
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup flour
For the cheesecake:
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 egg
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, mix the melted butter and cocoa powder together in a large bowl before adding the sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla. Finally, mix in the baking powder, salt, and flour. Remove and set aside 1/4 cup of the brownie batter in a separate bowl. Add one tablespoon of warm water to the set aside batter and whisk it to thin it out. Pour the rest of the batter into a 9 x 9 inch square pan lined with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges.
Beat the room temperature cream cheese in a medium bowl using an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until it is smooth. Slowly add the sugar and then the vanilla and egg. Once everything is combined, carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and spread it out evenly. Drop the remaining 1/4 cup of brownie batter in various places on the cheesecake and use a toothpick or knife to create a few big swirls.
Bake the brownies for twenty-five to thirty minutes or until a knife or toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into nine large squares or sixteen smaller brownies.
Embrace the new this New Year’s season with a fresh take on these well-loved desserts. You may also just make the brownie layer without the cheesecake if desired. Simply do not set aside any of the batter and bake it for only twenty minutes until the sides of the brownie just start to pull away from the pan. You might also enjoy doubling the cheesecake topping for even more flavor. Play around with new toppings and add-ons such as oreos or chocolate chips in the brownies, crushed candy cane sprinkled on top, or jam swirled into the cheesecake instead of brownie batter for a colorful addition. Enjoy!
Works Cited:
“The Best Cheesecake Brownies.” Broma, 24 Mar. 2020, https://bromabakery.com/the-best-cheesecake-brownies/
Kanell, John. “Cheesecake Brownies.” Preppy Kitchen, 17 June 2016, https://preppykitchen.com/chocolate-cheesecake-brownies/.
Welch, Sarah. “Cheesecake Brownies.” Dinner at the Zoo, 24 April 2019, https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/cheesecake-brownies.
Photo Credits: Isabel Rogers