Creamy cheesecake and fudgy brownie together in one bite — why choose when you can have both? These Cheesecake Brownies from Brownie Mix are delicious and so easy to make!
Upgrade your boxed brownies in 7 other ways:
- Brookie Bars from Brownie Mix
- Oreo Brownies from Brownie Mix
- Peanut Butter Brownies from Brownie Mix
- Nutty Brownies from Brownie Mix
- S'mores Brownies from Brownie Mix
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You may also like Mango Cheesecake Bars, Cheesecake Bars with Raspberry Swirl, or Carrot Sheet Cake.
Jump to:
Ingredients you'll need
For the brownie base
For the cheesecake
Notes and substitutions
- Brownie mix: Use a regular-size (about 18 ounces) boxed brownie.
- Water: Replace with milk, buttermilk, or brewed coffee to add richness and flavor.
- Instant coffee: An optional ingredient that enhances the chocolate flavor and tames the sweetness of the brownies.
Tips for best brownies
- Bring eggs to room temperature and lightly beat them to incorporate them well without overmixing.
- Grease and line the pan with parchment paper to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- To avoid overbaking, check the brownies with a toothpick 2 minutes before they are done. Look for several separate crumbs for fudgy brownies and less for cakey brownies.
- Cool the brownies before slicing. Refrigerating them improves their texture.
How to make this recipe
Step 1: Using a hand mixer, beat 8 ounces of cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, a pinch of salt, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract at medium-low speed until smooth.
Step 2: Add an egg and mix until combined. Set it aside.
Step 3: Make the brownie batter as directed in the package and spread it on a 9x9-inch pan.
Step 4: Add dollops of cheesecake batter to the brownie batter. Create swirls using a knife or a chopstick.
Step 5: Bake the brownies according to the package instructions, plus a few minutes longer if needed. The cheesecake is done when the center is set and no longer wet. Insert a toothpick into the brownies to check.
Let the brownies set for at least an hour in the fridge before cutting. Refrigerate leftovers and consume them within 5 to 7 days.
Recipe FAQs
If you use cold eggs, be careful not to overmix them. Cold eggs won't ruin your brownies, but using room temperature eggs will ensure even mixing.
It is best to use a neutral-flavored oil for baking, such as canola or other vegetable oils. You can also use mild-tasting oils such as avocado, olive, and coconut oil.
Yes, cheesecake brownies must be refrigerated and eaten within 3 to 4 days. The cream cheese and egg make them perishable.
More about brownies
If you'd like to know more, here are frequently asked questions on box brownies, including extra tips, troubleshooting, and more.
Other dessert recipes you may like
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📖 Recipe
Cheesecake Brownies from Brownie Mix
Equipment
- Hand mixer
- 9x9-inch pan
Ingredients
For the brownie base (see package)
- brownie mix about 18 ounces
- eggs room temp & lightly beaten
- water sub:milk, buttermilk, or coffee
- oil (canola, olive, or other vegetable oils)
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee or ¼ teaspoon espresso powder optional
Extra ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- a pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg at room temperature
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract at medium-low speed until smooth.
- Add the egg and mix until combined. Set it aside.
- Make the brownie batter as directed in the package and spread it on a 9x9-inch pan.
- Add dollops of cheesecake batter to the brownie batter. Create swirls using a knife or a chopstick.
- Bake the brownies according to the package instructions, plus a few minutes longer if needed. The cheesecake is done when the center is set and no longer wet. Insert a toothpick into the brownies to check.
- Let it set for at least an hour in the fridge before cutting.
Notes
- Bring eggs to room temperature and lightly beat them to incorporate them well without overmixing.
- Grease and line the pan with parchment paper to prevent the brownies from sticking.
- To avoid overbaking, check the brownies with a toothpick 2 minutes before they are done. Look for several separate crumbs for fudgy brownies and less for cakey brownies.
- Cool the brownies before slicing. Refrigerating them improves their texture.
Rochelle
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
Hi Rochelle! Wow, that's so great to hear! Thank you for making it and really glad you liked it. 🙂
Beatrice
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
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
Yum!!!
Nora Rey
Totally yum! 🤤
Cher
What do you set your oven at?
Nora Rey
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.