Dreamy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe: Luscious Layers of Joy

Sweet dreams come true with this decadent brownie bottom cheesecake that combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the rich, fudgy base merging seamlessly with creamy cheesecake layers.

Imagine cutting through silky smooth cream cheese filling and revealing a dense, gooey brownie foundation underneath.

Contrasting textures create a mouthwatering experience that promises pure indulgence.

Chocolate and cream cheese form a perfect partnership in this showstopping dessert.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of intense cocoa and velvety cream cheese notes.

Prepare to impress everyone at your next gathering with this stunning culinary creation that looks as amazing as it tastes.

Why Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Is So Loved

• Elevate Chocolate Indulgence: This brownie cheesecake combines two beloved desserts into one spectacular treat that satisfies deep chocolate cravings with layers of rich, decadent flavors.
• Impress Without Stress: Despite looking complex, the recipe uses straightforward techniques and basic ingredients that make creating a stunning dessert accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Create Show-Stopping Centerpiece: Perfect for special gatherings like birthdays, dinner parties, or holiday celebrations where you want to deliver a memorable and luxurious dessert that generates instant excitement.
• Master Simple Layering Technique: The step-by-step process teaches bakers how to build beautiful dessert layers, developing culinary skills while producing a professional-looking chocolate cheesecake that looks like it came from a fancy bakery.

What You’ll Need For Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
• Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a rich, solid crust.

• Brownie Mix: Delivers a rich chocolate base with deep, decadent flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate taste and adds depth to the brownie layer.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy texture of the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and balances the tangy cream cheese.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake filling together.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the other flavors in the cheesecake.

• Chocolate Chips, Chocolate Syrup: Add extra chocolate decadence and visual appeal to the finished dessert.

Steps To Make Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Bring your oven to a cozy 325°F and grab a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper so your cheesecake slides out like a dream.

Step 2: Create The Crunchy Base

Melt butter and mix with graham cracker crumbs. Press this golden mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a sturdy foundation that’ll make your cheesecake irresistible.

Step 3: Craft The Chocolate Layer

Dive into the brownie magic by blending brownie mix with cocoa powder. Stir until you’ve got a silky, rich chocolate base that promises decadence.

Step 4: Spread The Chocolate Foundation

Evenly distribute the brownie mixture over the graham cracker crust. This layer will be your cheesecake’s delicious secret weapon.

Step 5: Whip Up The Cheesecake Filling

Grab your mixing bowl and beat cream cheese until it’s smooth as silk. Gradually add granulated sugar, banishing any sneaky lumps along the way.

Step 6: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This technique ensures a luxuriously creamy texture that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 7: Blend In Creamy Goodness

• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Flour
• Salt

Blend until your batter looks glossy and uniform.

Step 8: Layer The Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, creating a perfect canvas of deliciousness.

Step 9: Add Chocolate Accents

Sprinkle chocolate chips across the top and drizzle chocolate syrup in a playful, artistic pattern.

Step 10: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is almost set but still does a gentle wiggle when shaken.

Step 11: Cool And Chill

Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature for an hour. Then park it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours – patience is key!

Step 12: Serve And Enjoy

Carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan. Slice into divine wedges and if you’re feeling extra, scatter a few more chocolate chips on top.

Pro Tips For Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

• Master the Crust Technique: Press graham cracker crumbs firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp foundation that prevents crumbling when slicing the cheesecake.
• Prevent Cheesecake Cracking: Beat cream cheese smoothly, incorporate eggs gently, and avoid overmixing to maintain a silky, crack-free surface.
• Chocolate Chip Distribution: Sprinkle chocolate chips strategically across the top for even coverage and an attractive, tasty presentation.
• Temperature Control Matters: Cool the cheesecake gradually at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent sudden temperature shifts that can cause surface cracks.
• Slice with Precision: Use a clean, warm knife wiped between cuts to achieve neat, professional-looking slices that showcase the brownie and cheesecake layers.

Ways To Change Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, use gluten-free brownie mix, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, replace butter with coconut oil, and select dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cheesecake Option: Use sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, select sugar-free brownie mix, and incorporate reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.

What To Serve With Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

• Elevate Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Flavor Companions
• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a rich Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the deep chocolate notes and cut through the creamy cheesecake richness.
• Match with Espresso Liqueur: Drizzle Kahlúa or Baileys Irish Cream alongside the dessert, enhancing the chocolate's intensity and providing a smooth, boozy contrast.
• Serve with Fresh Raspberry Coulis: Create a tart sauce to balance the dessert's sweetness, adding a bright, fruity element that highlights the chocolate's complexity.
• Garnish with Candied Pecans: Sprinkle toasted, sugared pecans on top to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that elevates the cheesecake's decadent profile.

How To Store Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Properly

• Store sliced cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping it fresh and preventing flavor absorption from other foods.
• Wrap each cheesecake slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, which preserves texture and taste for up to 2 months.
• Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight, allowing it to slowly defrost and maintain its creamy consistency without becoming watery or losing its structural integrity.

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake FAQ Roundup

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour, and use a gluten-free brownie mix.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a low temperature, and use a water bath technique to create a moist baking environment.

• What type of cream cheese works best?

Use full-fat, room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest and richest texture. Philadelphia brand is often recommended by bakers.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The edges will be set, but the center should have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. An instant-read thermometer should read around 150°F at the center.

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours and 30-60 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesecake meets rich chocolate in this Brownie Bottom Cheesecake, where two classic desserts unite in pure indulgence. Silky cream cheese layers rest atop a fudgy brownie base, promising a delightful journey through complementary textures that will satisfy deep dessert cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup brownie mix

Chocolate Components:

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp chocolate syrup

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melt the butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan’s base to create a compact crust.
3. Prepare the brownie layer by mixing brownie mix with cocoa powder, stirring until a smooth, rich chocolate base forms.
4. Spread the brownie mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust, creating a dense chocolate foundation for the cheesecake.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar and ensuring no lumps remain.
6. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky texture.
7. Fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, flour, and salt, gently blending until the cheesecake batter becomes uniform and glossy.
8. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, using a spatula to distribute evenly.
9. Sprinkle chocolate chips across the top and drizzle chocolate syrup in a decorative pattern.
10. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
12. Carefully release from springform pan, slice, and garnish with additional chocolate chips if desired.

Notes

• Prevent Cracking: Avoid overbaking by using a water bath method, which creates a moist environment and helps the cheesecake bake more evenly, reducing surface cracks.
• Chocolate Variation: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or white chocolate in the brownie base and topping to customize flavor intensity.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs and use a gluten-free brownie mix to make the dessert celiac-friendly.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This cheesecake can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party planning easier.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg