Enjoy a fudgy, chewy brownie topped with a thick, creamy cheesecake layer and extra brownie batter swirled into a beautiful marbled dessert. These Cheesecake Brownies combine two classic flavors in one irresistible treat.
These gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free Cheesecake Brownies are rich, gooey, and impossible to resist.
Serve chilled or at room temperature with coffee, a glass of dairy-free chocolate milk, or a mug of hot chocolate in colder months.
These gluten-free and dairy-free Cheesecake Brownies are a delicious mashup: each bite balances dense, fudgy brownie with a tangy, creamy cheesecake swirl.
For best results, premeasure ingredients and have the cream cheese mixture ready before you melt butter for the brownie batter. These brownies also slice cleaner and taste better chilled, so consider baking them earlier in the day or the night before and storing them covered in the refrigerator.
Cheesecake Brownie Ingredients
- Gluten- and dairy-free brownie mix — use your favorite 8×8-inch homemade or store-bought brownie recipe that fits an 8×8-inch pan.
- Dairy-free cream cheese — room temperature. One 8 oz container works well.
- Large egg — room temperature.
- Vanilla extract.
- Granulated sugar.
- Nonstick spray for the pan.
- Optional add-ins — ½ cup chopped nuts or ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips, mixed into the brownie batter or sprinkled on top before baking.
Kitchen utensils
- Large saucepan or mixing bowl
- Spoons
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Kitchen knife
- Serving spatula
Frequently asked questions
What brownie mix can we use?
Use any brownie batter that yields an 8×8-inch pan of fudgy brownies. A homemade fudgy brownie recipe works best, but a store-bought mix or your favorite family recipe will also deliver great results. If using a certified gluten-free mix, check the label for potential cross-contamination warnings.
What cream cheese is suggested?
Choose a dairy-free cream cheese you like and bring it to room temperature before mixing. One standard 8 oz container is ideal. If you prefer traditional dairy cream cheese, use that at room temperature instead.
Can we leave cream cheese out overnight?
No. Do not leave cream cheese out overnight. For this recipe, allow dairy-free or dairy cream cheese to come to room temperature for about 1–2 hours (up to 4 hours for some dairy-free varieties), but do not leave it unrefrigerated for extended periods.
Can this be prepared and baked ahead of time?
Yes. These brownies often taste best after chilling for a few hours or overnight—the cheesecake layer firms and the flavors meld. If you need to serve sooner, cool completely before slicing for neater squares.
How should this be stored?
After cooling, cover the pan with a lid or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to four days.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended for best texture. These brownies are best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
More dessert recipes you will love
- Brownie cookies — all the best parts of a brownie in a cookie: a fudgy center, chewy edges, and a crackly crust.
- Nutter Butter cookies — soft cookies with a peanut-butter filling for a nostalgic sandwich cookie.
- Banana bread with cream cheese frosting — overripe bananas baked into quick bread topped with rich cream cheese frosting; add chocolate chips if desired.
- Coffee blondies — chewy blondies with deep coffee flavor, somewhere between cookie bars and brownies.
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- Taco tater tot skillet — a kid-approved, one-pan dinner packed with bold flavors.
Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz dairy-free cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
Brownie Mixture
- Prepared 8×8-inch gluten- and dairy-free brownie batter (not baked)
Instructions
- Preheat oven according to your brownie batter directions. Spray an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, egg, vanilla, and sugar until smooth; set aside.
- Prepare the brownie batter as directed. Scoop out about 1/3 cup of batter and set it aside for swirls.
- Spread the remaining brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish, then spread the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese. Use the tip of a knife to gently swirl the brownie and cream cheese to create a marbled effect.
- Bake according to the brownie directions, adding 2–3 minutes if needed. Test with a toothpick; fudgy crumbs indicate it needs more time, while a few moist crumbs are fine.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight before slicing for the best texture.
Nutritional Disclaimer
These nutritional facts are estimates. Actual nutrition will vary by brands and specific ingredients used. For precise information, use your preferred nutrition calculator and input the exact brands you choose.