Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Recipe

If you love the idea of two dreamy desserts in one bite, this Brownie Bottom Cheesecake is absolute heaven. A rich, fudgy brownie forms the foundation for a luscious, tangy cheesecake—and the whole thing is crowned with homemade whipped cream and a generous drizzle of hot fudge. It’s the kind of showstopper dessert that will have everyone swooning!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what goes into this swoon-worthy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake! Each ingredient is chosen for max flavor, texture, and that melt-in-your-mouth moment you’ll crave. Nothing complicated—just a few pantry staples and a fridge raid away from dessert bliss.

• Standard box of brownie mix: Your shortcut to a deeply chocolatey base with classic brownie chewiness.
• Vegetable oil: Ensures your brownies stay irresistibly moist.
• Water: Helps activate the brownie mix and blend the batter to the right consistency.
• Eggs (4, divided): Two eggs for the brownie layer, two for a velvety, stable cheesecake.
• Cream cheese (16 oz.): The creamy heart of your cheesecake—be sure it’s softened for a dreamy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens up the tangy cream cheese without overshadowing it.
• All-purpose flour: Gives the cheesecake some structure so it slices beautifully.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and aromatic depth to the cheesecake layer.
• Sour cream: Bumps up the tang and silkiness—it’s the secret to a light, luscious bite!
• Heavy whipping cream (1 1/4 cups, divided): A bit goes in the cheesecake for extra richness, and the rest gets whipped for the fluffiest topping.
• Powdered sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the whipped cream cloud on top.
• Hot fudge sauce or chocolate ganache: For that ultimate, glossy chocolate finish.

Variations

The fun of a Brownie Bottom Cheesecake is how easily you can make it your own. Feel free to riff based on what you’ve got in the pantry, family favorites, or any special dietary needs—this dessert is endlessly adaptable!

• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix and a 1:1 gluten-free flour for a fabulous gluten-free version.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Dollop spoonfuls of peanut butter on the brownie batter and swirl before baking for chocolate-peanut butter magic.
• Berry Burst: Add a thin layer of fresh raspberries or strawberry slices between the brownie and cheesecake layers for a fruity twist.
• Coffee Kick: Mix in a shot of espresso powder to the brownie mixture for mocha flavor that coffee-lovers will adore.

How to Make Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper—this makes removing your Brownie Bottom Cheesecake a breeze (no sticking disasters!).

Step 2: Bake the Brownie Base

In a mixing bowl, stir together your brownie mix, 2 eggs, water, and oil—using the directions from your box if they differ slightly. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth it out. Bake for 15 minutes—just enough to set the top, but don’t worry if it’s still a bit soft in the middle. That’s what keeps your brownie fudgy!

Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Layer

While the brownie is baking, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth. Add the sugar and keep mixing until creamy. Next, blend in the flour, vanilla, sour cream, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Last, stir in the remaining eggs one at a time by hand—this is a key step to keep the cheesecake silky (not airy or cracked!).

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake batter directly over the just-baked brownie base (no need to cool it). Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F, then return the pan to the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Afterward, turn off the oven, leave the door closed for 20 minutes, then crack the door open for another 30 minutes to let things cool and set gently.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Remove your Brownie Bottom Cheesecake from the oven, cool it to room temperature, and then pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 2–3 hours. This step is essential—chilling gives you those gorgeous, neat slices and lets the flavors come together beautifully.

Step 6: Whip, Decorate, and Serve!

Right before serving, whip up the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with powdered sugar until you have billowy, stiff peaks. Decorate the cheesecake with luscious swirls of whipped cream and an irresistible drizzle of hot fudge sauce or chocolate ganache. Time to slice, serve, and collect your compliments!

How to Serve Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

Garnishes

Finish your Brownie Bottom Cheesecake with plush pillows of whipped cream and generous ribbons of hot fudge sauce for that bakery window look. Sprinkle with chocolate curls, toffee bits, or even a few fresh berries to add color and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair a slice with a hot mug of coffee, cappuccino, or an ice-cold glass of milk. Since the cheesecake is rich, I love serving it with a big bowl of mixed berries or a light, crisp fruit salad—something bright to balance those decadent layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the Brownie Bottom Cheesecake into small squares and serve on a pretty platter with tiny forks—to make it finger-food friendly! Or, try topping each slice differently (nuts, candies, edible flowers) for a playful, build-your-own-dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Brownie Bottom Cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to five days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle!

Freezing

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake freezes beautifully! Once fully chilled, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Just skip the whipped cream and hot fudge til you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

No reheating needed with this gem—just thaw frozen slices in the fridge overnight and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the creamiest bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the first forkful of Brownie Bottom Cheesecake—decadent, creamy, and deeply satisfying. I hope this recipe becomes a new favorite at your table, and that every bite feels as joyful to your family as it does to mine. Treat yourself, share with friends, and make it again (and again!) whenever you need something truly special.

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