Mocha Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Mocha Cheesecake Brownies combine rich chocolate brownie layers infused with espresso powder and a creamy white chocolate-studded cheesecake swirl. These decadent treats are baked to perfection, resulting in fudgy, moist brownies with a luscious cheesecake center and a delightful mocha flavor twist.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 38 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (228g) coarsely chopped quality semi-sweet chocolate
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons (78g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 Tablespoons (10g) natural unsweetened or dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup (90g) mini or regular size semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
Cheesecake Batter
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (180g) white chocolate chips
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and coarsely chopped semi-sweet chocolate while stirring constantly for about 5 minutes, or heat in the microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly for 10 minutes.
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Adjust your oven rack to the lower third position and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper on all sides, creating an overhang for easy brownie removal.
- Make the Brownie Batter: Whisk the granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate and butter mixture. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt until just combined.
- Make the Cheesecake Batter: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese at high speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Reduce speed to medium-high and blend in sugar. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until combined. Fold in the white chocolate chips gently with a spatula.
- Layer the Batter: Spread about half of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan, pressing it to cover every corner. Top with the cheesecake batter and spread into an even thick layer. Finally, layer the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading as evenly as possible. If some cheesecake peeks through or corners aren’t completely covered, that’s fine. Sprinkle optional semi-sweet chocolate chips on top.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 38 minutes. The edges should begin to pull away from the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Start checking after 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Chill: Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for 45 minutes. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 1 day, to ensure the cheesecake layer firms up for clean slicing.
- Slice and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Allow the chocolate and butter mixture to cool slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- If you don’t have espresso powder, use a strong brewed espresso reduced to a paste or finely ground instant coffee as a substitute.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture in the cheesecake layer.
- Line the pan with parchment paper extending above the edges to easily lift brownies out.
- Ensure the brownies are well chilled before slicing for clean, defined squares.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keywords: mocha cheesecake brownies, espresso brownies, chocolate cheesecake dessert, layered brownies, white chocolate cheesecake brownies, coffee flavored brownies