Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares

Name: Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 squares
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Golden Cooking

I absolutely love whipping up a batch of these Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares each year. Not only do they combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the creamy delight of cheesecake, but they also make a visually stunning dessert that friends and family rave about. Every bite brings together the best of both worlds, making them the perfect addition to any Super Bowl party. Plus, they're easy to slice into squares, which makes serving a breeze!

Created by

Camille Norwood

Last updated on 2026-01-11T18:49:34.606Z

When I first attempted these Super Bowl Desserts Brownie Cheesecake Squares, I was amazed at how well the flavors meld together. The combination of rich chocolate and smooth cream cheese creates a heavenly texture that makes these squares irresistible. I learned that by using room temperature cream cheese, I was able to achieve a silky smooth filling that complements the brownie base perfectly.

Another tip I discovered was to slightly underbake the brownies before adding the cheesecake layer. This ensures that when the final product is baked, the brownies maintain a gooey texture that contrasts beautifully with the cheesecake. Every bite is a delight!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Decadent layers of brownie and cheesecake for the ultimate indulgence
Savory chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with creamy cheese
Easy to make ahead of time, perfect for party prep

      

Understanding the Layers

The magic of Brownie Cheesecake Squares lies in their distinct layers. The brownie base provides a rich, chocolatey foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake topping. The contrasting textures enhance the overall eating experience—fudgy and dense against smooth and rich. When combining these layers, it’s essential to pour the cheesecake batter over the brownies after the initial baking step. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without compromising the integrity of the brownie layer beneath.

Baking the brownie layer for just 15 minutes may seem counterintuitive, but it creates the perfect canvas for your cheesecake. Look for the edges to puff slightly and become set while the center remains soft. The goal is to have a warm, slightly gooey base that will absorb some moisture from the cheesecake, adding to the rich flavor profile. If baked too long, the brownies may become overly dry.

Timing is crucial in achieving the right texture for both layers. Keep a close watch during the additional 25 minutes of cheesecake baking. A properly baked cheesecake will have a slight jiggle in the center, indicating that it is set but still creamy. Overbaking can lead to cracks, which, while still delicious, are less visually appealing.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the desired texture and flavor. For instance, using unsweetened cocoa powder in the brownie layer ensures a deep chocolate flavor without excess sweetness. This balance is key, especially with the rich cheesecake that follows. If you're out of unsweetened cocoa, dark cocoa powder is a great alternative, providing a more intense chocolate taste.

Cream cheese is the star of the cheesecake layer, and its quality can significantly affect the final dish. Always opt for full-fat cream cheese for a luscious texture. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with Neufchâtel, which has less fat but still provides creaminess. Be sure to soften it adequately beforehand; this prevents lumps and allows for a smoother batter.

When preparing this dessert, it's vital to remember that the eggs should be at room temperature, particularly for the cheesecake layer. This helps achieve a creamy, lump-free filling that incorporates better with the cream cheese. A quick tip: if you forget to take your eggs out in advance, you can place them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to quickly bring them to room temperature.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting for a smooth baking experience!

Brownie Layer

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Layer

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect brownie cheesecake squares!

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.

Make the Brownie Batter

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well, then stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.

Spread Brownie Batter

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 15 minutes.

Prepare Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.

Combine Layers

After the brownie base has baked for 15 minutes, pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer and spread evenly.

Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Cool and Slice

Let the dessert cool in the pan at room temperature, then transfer to the fridge for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, lift the dessert out using the parchment paper and slice into squares.

Enjoy these delicious squares at your next gathering!

Pro Tips

For added flair, drizzle melted chocolate over the top or sprinkle with chopped nuts before serving.

Storing and Serving

Once your brownie cheesecake squares have been sliced, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you know you'll have leftovers, you can freeze individual squares by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay fresh for up to three months. Just let them thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain their perfect texture.

Serve these squares cold for the best flavor combination. I love pairing them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or fresh berries to enhance the presentation. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. They’re perfect for sharing at Super Bowl parties or other gatherings, where you can just cut and serve without any fuss.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a layer of caramel sauce or a layer of Nutella between the brownie and cheesecake layers for a flavorful twist. Mixing in chocolate chips or nuts with the brownie batter can also provide additional texture and richness that everyone will enjoy.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you notice your cheesecake layer cracking as it cools, this can be caused by overbaking or not allowing it to cool gradually. To prevent this, keep an eye on baking time, and don’t open the oven door too often to maintain even heat. If cracks do appear, don't worry; they can be cleverly masked by dusting with cocoa powder or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Another common issue is a dense cheesecake filling. This often results from overmixing. Be gentle when incorporating the eggs; overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a cake that's not as smooth. Remember, just mix until the ingredients are combined and you don’t see any lumps before adding the eggs.

Lastly, if you find your brownies too dry, it’s likely due to overbaking. For the future, adjusting the baking time slightly based on your oven is a great idea—every oven behaves a little differently. You might also consider adding an extra tablespoon of butter to the batter if you prefer them a bit fudgier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze these squares?

Absolutely! Wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

→ What can I substitute if I don't have cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese for a different flavor profile.