Brownie Bottom Mini Cheesecakes
Brownie Bottom Mini Cheesecakes are delicious bite-sized desserts that combine a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base with a smooth, creamy cheesecake topping. Perfectly portioned and easy to make, these treats offer a decadent flavor fusion and a pleasing texture contrast, ideal for parties, gifts, or a cozy night in.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using almond flour or gluten-free baking mix)
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips or 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free version)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free cream cheese alternative)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or heavy cream (optional)
- Optional: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
- Prepare the Brownie Base: Melt the butter and chocolate chips (or cocoa powder with butter) together until smooth. In a bowl, combine this mixture with sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, and flour. Mix gently until just combined to form a fudgy brownie batter. Spoon the batter evenly into mini muffin cups or a mini cheesecake pan. If desired, fold in chopped nuts.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently, then blend in sour cream or heavy cream if using. For extra chocolate flavor, fold in mini chocolate chips.
- Combine and Bake: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the brownie layer in each cup, filling them up neatly without overflowing. Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake until the cheesecake is mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center, about 20-25 minutes. Optionally, bake in a water bath to prevent cracking.
- Cool and Chill: Let the mini cheesecakes cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up and enhance the flavors.
- Serve and Enjoy: Gently remove the mini cheesecakes from the pan. Serve plain or topped with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or drizzled sauces such as chocolate or salted caramel.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Mix the brownie batter just until combined to keep it dense and fudgy.
- Baking in a water bath is optional but recommended for a creamier texture and to prevent cracking.
- Check the cheesecake closely near the end of baking; it should have a slight wobble in the center but be mostly set.
- Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely before chilling to prevent condensation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 170 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 80 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: brownie cheesecake, mini cheesecakes, brownie bottom cheesecake, bite-sized dessert, fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, party desserts, gluten-free mini cheesecake