Waking up to the scent of deep cocoa and sweet cream usually means Max is already tugging at my sleeve to help with the "chocolate waterfall" garnish; and this Brownie Bottom Cheesecake is our absolute favorite magic trick in the kitchen. We love how the thick, fudgy base supports that silky cloud of cheesecake; making every slice a decadent celebration. It is a simple family habit that turns a regular afternoon into a sweet memory that everyone in the house adores.
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
- How To Make Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
- What Pairs Well With Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
- Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Variations
- Equipment
- Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
- Top Tips for Best Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
- Brownie Bottom Cheesecake FAQs
- A Sweet Weekend Tradition
- Related
- Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
Why You Will Love This Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
This dessert offers a perfect balance of a dense; chewy chocolate base and a velvety; light cheesecake filling. It is naturally stunning with its dripping chocolate ganache and crushed cookie topping; making it the ultimate showstopper for any gathering or a special family treat.
How To Make Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
The Brownie Bottom Cheesecake is a decadent fusion of two classic favorites; featuring a rich brownie crust that replaces the traditional graham cracker base. This specific recipe uses a Philadelphia-style cream cheese filling to ensure a silky texture that melts in your mouth. Originally inspired by authentic Kraft Brownie Bottom Cheesecake traditions; this version has been refined in our kitchen to be a tested; repeatable masterpiece that looks like it came from a professional bakery.
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Ingredients
Brownie Base
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Layer
- 24 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Garnish
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
- ½ cup chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed)
Step by Step Method
Bake the base
- Whisk butter and sugar until smooth before folding in cocoa and flour for the fudgy bottom.
Prepare the cheese
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until fluffy to ensure a lump-free cheesecake layer.
Combine wet ingredients
- Add sour cream and eggs one at a time while whisking slowly to avoid adding too much air.
Layer the batter
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie base in a greased springform pan.
Bake until set
- Cook at 325 degrees for fifty minutes until the edges are firm but the center still jiggles slightly.
Chill the cake
- Refrigerate for six hours or overnight to allow the flavors to deepen and the texture to set firmly.
Apply the ganache
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top so it cascades down the sides in beautiful dark ribbons.
Final cookie garnish
- Scatter crushed cookies and extra chocolate chips over the wet ganache for a professional; high-end finish.
MAX’S REACTION
"Mom; the chocolate is falling down the sides like a waterfall! Can I have the piece with the most cookies on top?"
What Pairs Well With Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
I usually serve this with a hot cup of black coffee or a tall glass of cold milk to balance the rich chocolate. If you are hosting a holiday party; it pairs beautifully with our Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies or a light dusting of cocoa powder. For a tarter contrast; nothing beats our sparkling Strawberry Kiss Cookies.
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Variations
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake No Bake
Swap the baked brownie for a chilled mixture of brownie crumbs and melted butter; then top with a whipped cream cheese filling.
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Cupcakes
Use a muffin tin to create individual-sized portions with a small brownie disk at the base of each cheesecake cup.
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
Fold half a cup of mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake batter and use a chocolate-infused cream cheese for a deeper flavor.
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake Bars
Bake this in a square 9x13 inch pan and cut into neat squares for a more casual; party-friendly serving style.
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric hand mixer
- Offset spatula
Mom Tip: Always use room temperature cream cheese; otherwise your cheesecake will have tiny white lumps that are impossible to whisk out later!
Storage / Make Ahead / Serving Tips
Storage Tips That Keep It Fresh
- Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Keep it away from strong-smelling foods so the cream cheese stays sweet and fresh.
Make Ahead Strategy
- This cake is actually better when made a full 24 hours in advance.
- The brownie crust becomes moister and the cheesecake flavors have time to truly meld together.
Reheating Instructions
- Never heat a cheesecake; simply let it sit on the counter for twenty minutes before serving to soften the ganache.
Top Tips for Best Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
The absolute secret to those perfect; sharp layers you see in our family photos is the long chill time in the refrigerator. I always tell Max that the "love" needs time to grow; so we never cut into it before it has spent at least six hours in the fridge. When pouring the cheesecake over the brownie; make sure the brownie base has cooled completely so the layers don't bleed together. For the cleanest slices; use a long serrated knife and wipe it clean with a warm; damp cloth between every single cut.
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake FAQs
Can I use a boxed brownie mix for the base?
Yes; simply follow the box instructions and bake for fifteen minutes before adding the cheesecake layer.
How do I prevent the top from cracking?
Avoid over-beating the eggs into the batter and cool the cake slowly inside the oven with the door cracked.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
I don't recommend it as the texture will be less creamy and the cake may not set firmly enough to slice.
A Sweet Weekend Tradition
Sharing these rich; cookie-topped slices with Max is the highlight of my weekend; especially when we dive in while the ganache is still glossy. If you enjoyed this "magic" treat; you should try our vibrant Strawberry Velvet Cheesecake Truffle Bites for another layered surprise. For a tarter; fruity twist; our Strawberry Kiss Cookies are always a massive hit. If you want a classic favorite; nothing beats our Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Share your Brownie Bottom Cheesecake! Tag us @HannahCooking with #BrownieBottomCheesecake; we’re dying to see your version and hear about your homemade kitchen stories!
⭐️ Rate this Brownie Bottom Cheesecake recipe and let us know what twists or ingredients you used!
Related
Looking for other recipes like Brownie Bottom Cheesecake? Try these:
- Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich20 Minutes
- Crispy Smashed Potato Salad50 Minutes
- Boston Cream Pie Cookies30 Minutes
- Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Roll42 Minutes
Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
Equipment
- 1 Springform pan (9-inch size)
- 1 Hand mixer (For smooth batter)
- 1 Offset spatula (For leveling)
Ingredients
- ½ cup Unsalted butter - Melted
- 1 ¾ cups Granulated sugar - Divided for layers
- 5 large Eggs - Room temperature, divided
- ⅓ cup Cocoa powder - Unsweetened
- ½ cup All-purpose flour - Sifted
- 24 oz Cream cheese - Softened Philadelphia style
- 1 cup Sour cream - Full fat for creaminess
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract - Pure extract
Instructions
- Whisk the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
- Fold in the cocoa, flour, and 2 eggs gently until no dry streaks remain in batter.
- Bake the brownie base at 325°F for 15 minutes then allow it to cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese and remaining sugar until the mixture is light and perfectly airy.
- Stir in the sour cream, vanilla, and remaining 3 eggs slowly on a low speed.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the brownie and bake for another 50 minutes until set.
- Chill the cake for at least 6 hours in the refrigerator to ensure clean slicing.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and top with crushed cookies for the final serving presentation.
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