These cheesecake brownies from brownie mix are one of my go-to desserts when I want something homemade without a lot of work. Fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl on top.
This recipe is simple, quick, and always a hit.
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Ingredients You'll Need
Brownie base ingredients
Cheesecake ingredients
Notes and Substitutions
- Brownie mix: Use one regular box (about 18 ounces). Any brand works.
- Water: Swap it with milk, buttermilk, or brewed coffee for richer brownies.
- Instant coffee: Optional, but it helps bring out the chocolate flavor and keeps the brownies from tasting too sweet.
- Cream cheese: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it softens. This makes it easier to mix and helps avoid lumps.
Tips for Best Brownies
- Let eggs come to room temperature, then lightly beat before adding. This helps everything mix evenly.
- Grease the pan and line it with parchment so the brownies don't stick.
- Start checking with a toothpick about 2 minutes early. A few moist crumbs mean fudgy brownies; a cleaner toothpick means more cake-like.
- Let brownies cool before cutting. Chill them first if you want cleaner slices.
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies from Brownie Mix
Step 1: In a bowl, use a hand mixer to beat 8 ounces cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon vanilla on medium-low speed until smooth.
Step 2: Add 1 egg and mix just until combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Spread it evenly in a 9×9-inch pan.
Step 4: Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or chopstick to gently swirl the two together.
Step 5: Bake according to the package directions. Add a few extra minutes if needed.
The cheesecake layer should look set and not wet in the center. Insert a toothpick into the brownie part to check - it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies chill in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting.
Storage
Keep brownies covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for best texture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Any regular brownie mix works. Just follow the package directions.
The cheesecake layer should look set and not wet in the center. A toothpick inserted into the brownie part should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Yes. Because of the cream cheese layer, store them covered in the refrigerator.
Yes. Bake them a day ahead and chill before serving. They slice cleaner after they've been in the fridge.
More Tips for Boxed Brownies
If you're new to baking with brownie mix, this guide covers common questions, extra tips, and easy fixes.
Other Cakes and Baked Desserts You May Like
Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes. Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!
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📖 Recipe
Cheesecake Brownies from Brownie Mix
Equipment
- Hand mixer
- 9x9-inch pan
Ingredients
Brownie layer
- 1 box brownie mix about 18 ounces
- eggs room temp & lightly beaten (see box for amount)
- water sub:milk, buttermilk, or coffee (see box for amount)
- oil (see box for amount)
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee or ¼ teaspoon espresso powder optional
Cheesecake layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- a pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg at room temperature
Instructions
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, salt, and vanilla on medium-low speed until smooth. Add egg and mix just until combined. Set aside.
- Prepare brownie batter according to package directions. Spread evenly in a 9×9-inch pan.
- Spoon dollops of cheesecake mixture over brownie batter. Use a knife or chopstick to gently swirl.
- Bake according to package directions, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Cheesecake layer should look set and not wet in the center. A toothpick in the brownie part should have a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before cutting.
Notes
- Brownie mix: Any brand works. Follow package directions.
- Water: Swap with milk, buttermilk, or brewed coffee for richer brownies.
- Instant coffee: Optional, but brings out the chocolate flavor and keeps brownies from tasting too sweet.
- Cream cheese: Let it sit out about 30 minutes so it softens and mixes smoothly.
- Let cream cheese soften first so it mixes smoothly.
- Line pan with parchment so brownies don't stick.
- Don't overbake - start checking a few minutes early.
- Chill before slicing for cleaner cuts.
Rochelle says
I made these and they turned out great! Both my husband and I really liked the coffee addition. Thank you for the idea.
Mark Reyes says
Hi Rochelle! Wow, that's so great to hear! Thank you for making it and really glad you liked it. 🙂
Beatrice says
I've tried your recipe, almost to a T. Except for the pan used. I used an 8x8 in pan, lined it with parchment. Mine came out with a brown-ish top (of the cheesecake part). Like, I'm not sure what went wrong. It didn't taste burnt or anything, but how did you have yours come out with the cream cheese part not burnt looking? Thanks.
Nora Reyes says
Hello Beatrice,
Thanks for sharing your experience! Using an 8x8 pan instead of a 9x9 should be fine, generally speaking, though it can lead to slightly thicker layers that may require a bit longer in the oven, which might contribute to the brown-ish top you've mentioned.
The browning on top could be due to a few factors, including the oven's temperature accuracy or its position within the oven. Sometimes, ovens can run hotter than they indicate, causing the top to brown more quickly. If your oven has hot spots or the upper element is more aggressive, it might also lead to browning. To prevent this, you could try placing the pan on a lower rack or covering the top with foil once you've noticed it's reached the desired color, without changing the overall cooking time much.
It's great to hear it didn't taste burnt! That means you were very close to the intended result. You might consider checking the cake a bit earlier and covering the top with aluminum foil if you notice it's browning too much. I hope this helps. Thank you!
Maria says
Yum!!!
Nora Rey says
Totally yum! 🤤
Cher says
What do you set your oven at?
Nora Rey says
Hi Cher,
Typically, there can be variations in instructions for temperature and baking time among different brands. However, 350°F is usually the most commonly recommended temperature.