Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares
Highlighted under: Party Recipes
I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares for game day! Not only do they combine two of my favorite desserts—brownies and cheesecake—but they're also incredibly simple to prepare. The way the rich, fudgy brownie base complements the creamy cheesecake layer is nothing short of heavenly. Plus, they're easy to cut into squares for sharing, making them perfect for gatherings. I always keep the ingredients on hand because you never know when a craving might strike or when a game night calling!
When I first made these brownie cheesecake squares, I was amazed by how well the flavors meshed. The chocolatey richness of the brownie layer paired with the smooth, creamy cheesecake is like a match made in dessert heaven! I recommend using high-quality cocoa powder for the brownies; it really elevates the flavor.
Another tip I learned is to use room temperature cream cheese for the cheesecake layer, which makes it easier to mix and results in a smoother texture. I always make sure to allow them to cool before slicing to get those perfect squares!
Why You'll Love These Brownie Cheesecake Squares
- Decadent layers of chocolate and cheesecake that satisfy every dessert lover.
- Perfectly portable for sharing, making them a game day hit.
- The rich texture and flavors are sure to impress your guests!
Creating the Perfect Brownie Base
The brownie base is the foundation of these cheesecake squares, and its texture is crucial. To ensure a fudgy consistency, avoid overmixing once you introduce the flour and cocoa powder. The batter should be just combined, which will help maintain its moist richness. When pouring it into the pan, use a rubber spatula to spread it out evenly to prevent uneven baking. You'll know it's ready for the cheesecake layer when the edges look slightly set and the middle is still glossy.
If you're looking to add a twist to your brownie layer, consider folding in chocolate chips or nuts before spreading the batter into the pan. This adds delightful texture and a burst of extra flavor. For a mint chocolate variation, a few drops of peppermint extract can elevate the taste profile without changing the brownie base's consistency.
Crafting the Cheesecake Layer
When preparing the cheesecake layer, it's essential to start with softened cream cheese. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture, eliminating any lumps. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can cut it into cubes and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds at a time until softened. This whisking phase should also not be overly vigorous—just enough to combine without incorporating too much air, which can lead to cracks once baked.
Make sure to spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the brownie base to allow for uniform baking. You might need to lightly tap the pan on the counter to settle the layers. If you're feeling adventurous, swirls of raspberry or caramel can be added to the cheesecake batter for a visually appealing and flavorful addition.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Prepare the Brownie Layer
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined. Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges pull away slightly from the pan. Allow the dessert to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve at your Super Bowl party. These delicious brownie cheesecake squares are sure to be a crowd favorite!
Pro Tips
- For extra richness, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the brownie layer before adding the cheesecake mixture!
Baking and Cooling Tips
When baking, keep a close eye on the edges: they should pull away from the pan, while the center remains slightly jiggly. If you notice that the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking. After you remove the pan from the oven, let it cool in the pan at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring it to the fridge to chill, which helps deepen the flavors and firm up the squares for easier slicing.
For optimal storage, keep the squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyable for up to a week, but I promise they won't last that long at your Super Bowl gathering! If you want to make them ahead, you can freeze them for up to three months—just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These brownie cheesecake squares can be served plain or garnished with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. A drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce right before serving can elevate them further and add visual appeal. I also like to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add contrast to the rich dessert.
For a spectacular twist, you can experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as chocolate or pumpkin spice, especially around holidays. Additionally, incorporating crushed cookies or candies into the brownie layer can create fun variations that could cater to seasonal events or pair well with specific game day themes!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare these squares a day before and store them in the refrigerator. Just let them come to room temperature before serving.
→ What can I do with leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also freeze well!
→ Can I substitute the cream cheese?
For a lighter option, you can use mascarpone or a lighter cream cheese spread, but the texture may slightly differ.
→ What's the best way to cut these squares?
Using a sharp knife, clean the blade between cuts to maintain clean edges and avoid sticking.
Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares
I absolutely love making these Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares for game day! Not only do they combine two of my favorite desserts—brownies and cheesecake—but they're also incredibly simple to prepare. The way the rich, fudgy brownie base complements the creamy cheesecake layer is nothing short of heavenly. Plus, they're easy to cut into squares for sharing, making them perfect for gatherings. I always keep the ingredients on hand because you never know when a craving might strike or when a game night calling!
What You'll Need
For the Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time and mix well. Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined. Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges pull away slightly from the pan. Allow the dessert to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Once cooled, cut into squares and serve at your Super Bowl party. These delicious brownie cheesecake squares are sure to be a crowd favorite!
Extra Tips
- For extra richness, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the brownie layer before adding the cheesecake mixture!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g