Hot Fudge Cheesecake Brownies with Three Chocolate Layers
Rich chocolate brownies layered with creamy hot fudge cheesecake filling create an indulgent dessert that combines the best of both worlds. The thick brownie base provides a fudgy foundation while the smooth cheesecake layer adds tangy sweetness, all topped with more brownie batter and chocolate chips for extra texture. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with a show-stopping dessert. The contrast between the dense brownie and light cheesecake creates a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to both chocolate and cheesecake lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups mini chocolate chips
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 jar hot fudge topping, 12-16 ounceschocolate ganache1:1homemade
richer chocolate flavor
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and line pan with foil, spray with nonstick cooking spray
- 2
Melt butter and chocolate chips in microwave in 30-second increments until smooth
- 3
Stir in cocoa powder until completely incorporated
- 4
Add both sugars, vanilla, and salt, stirring to combine
- 5
Stir in eggs one at a time until completely mixed
- 6
Gently fold in flour until no flour is visible
- 7
Spread two-thirds of brownie batter in prepared pan, set rest aside
- 8
Beat cream cheese and hot fudge until smooth with hand mixer
- 9
Drop spoon cheesecake mixture evenly over brownie layer and spread carefully
- 10
Drop spoon remaining brownie batter over cheesecake layer and spread
- 11
Sprinkle with chocolate chips or chopped peanut butter cups
- 12
Bake until brownies are set with slight wiggle in center and pulling from edges
- 13
Cool completely then chill at least 2 hours before cutting
Tips
Use a hand mixer for the cheesecake layer to ensure smoothness and prevent lumps from forming in the filling.
Drop spoon the batters instead of pouring to prevent the layers from mixing together and maintain distinct layers.
Chill for at least 2 hours before cutting for clean slices that showcase the beautiful layers.
Good to Know
Refrigerate in sealed container for up to 5 days
Can be made 1-2 days ahead, cover and refrigerate until serving
Serve chilled, cut into squares with sharp knife
Common Mistakes
Drop spoon batters to avoid mixing the distinct layers together
Cool completely before chilling to prevent condensation from making brownies soggy
Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer
Substitutions
richer chocolate flavor
FAQ
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chips for topping?
Yes, regular chocolate chips work perfectly as a topping and provide the same chocolate flavor with slightly larger pieces for more texture.
What if my cheesecake layer has lumps after mixing?
Use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and hot fudge until completely smooth, or strain the mixture to remove any remaining lumps.
How long do these brownies keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they meld together.