Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies (Printable Version)

Decadent chocolate brownies feature a fudgy base with a smooth cheesecake swirl and optional chocolate chips.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Brownie Base

01 - 120 g unsweetened cocoa powder
02 - 200 g granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 65 g all-purpose flour
05 - 60 g unsalted butter, melted
06 - 5 ml vanilla extract

→ Cheesecake Swirl

07 - 225 g cream cheese, softened
08 - 60 g powdered sugar
09 - 5 ml vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-ins

10 - 90 g chocolate chips

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C and grease an 20x20 cm baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until combined, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
03 - Sift cocoa powder and flour into the wet mixture; fold gently just until blended.
04 - Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
05 - Spread half of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over it and create swirls using a knife.
06 - Top with the remaining brownie batter and sprinkle chocolate chips if using, then swirl gently to combine.
07 - Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
08 - Let brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Use dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor. Avoid overbaking to preserve fudginess. Swirling cheesecake adds an appealing marbled appearance.