Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups (Print)
Fudgy brownie cups layered with creamy cheesecake and loaded with chocolate, nuts, and cookies for an irresistible dessert.
# Ingredient List:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Cheesecake Filling
09 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Loaded Toppings
13 - 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
14 - 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
15 - 1/3 cup crushed Oreos
16 - 1/3 cup mini M&Ms
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with cooking spray.
02 - In a medium bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until glossy and well combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
03 - Sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt into the butter mixture. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix to maintain fudgy texture.
04 - Divide brownie batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, using about 1 heaping tablespoon per cup.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, beating until completely lump-free.
06 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cheesecake mixture over each brownie base. Gently smooth tops with the back of a spoon.
07 - Sprinkle each cup generously with loaded toppings—chocolate chips, nuts, crushed Oreos, and mini M&Ms. Press lightly to adhere.
08 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until cheesecake is set and brownie edges feel firm to the touch. Centers should still be slightly moist.
09 - Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- Two desserts in one means nobody has to choose between brownies and cheesecake
- The customizable toppings let everyone build their perfect bite
02 -
- Cold cream cheese creates lumps that no amount of mixing can fix
- Overfilled cups will spill over and create a mess that sticks to everything
03 -
- Room temperature ingredients prevent lumps and ensure even baking
- The toothpick test will not work here because of the gooey cheesecake layer