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Marble Cheesecake Brownies

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a fudgy brownie and a creamy slice of cheesecake, good news: you don’t have to choose! These Marble Cheesecake Brownies bring the best of both worlds together in one decadent dessert. A rich brownie base swirled with a luscious cheesecake layer (plus a few handfuls of chocolate chips for good measure)? Say less.

This is the kind of dessert that makes people say, “Wait, you made these?”

Plate of marble cheesecake brownies

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Marble Brownies

Besides the obvious (hello, chocolate and cheesecake), this recipe checks all the right boxes: No boxed brownie mix needed; a beautiful marbled pattern that looks fancy with zero stress; and they’re perfect for make-ahead desserts (like our Overnight Pull Aparts), potlucks, or just a lil’ Tuesday night treat.

They’re rich, gooey, and just the right amount of sweet without going overboard. The cheesecake layer cuts the chocolate with a creamy tang, while the brownie portion stays fudgy and dense. If you’re going to bake one dessert this month, make it this one.

Ingredients for the marble cheesecake brownies

Ingredients For These Creamy Cheesecake Brownies

  • Packaged cream cheese, softened (use full-fat for best texture)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely depth)
  • Milk chocolate chips
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter
  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Tip: For best results, bring your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing.

Some Quick FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
You can, but full-fat cream cheese gives you that rich, creamy texture that balances out the fudgy brownies. Worth it.

What if I don’t have almond extract?
No problem! Just leave it out or add a touch more vanilla extract.

How do I know when they’re done baking?
You’re looking for set edges and a soft, slightly underbaked center. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, but clean for the most part!

Close up of marble cheesecake brownie

How to Make Marble Cheesecake Brownies

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 or 9×9-inch square pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

2. Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and ¼ cup sugar until light and smooth. Add in 1 egg and almond extract (if using), and mix well. Stir in the milk chocolate chips. 

Set this aside—you’ll be layering it in soon!

3. Make the Brownie Batter

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Mixing the brownie batter ingredients flour, baking powder, and salt

Then, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together in 30-second increments, stirring in between. Once smooth, stir in the remaining ½ cup sugar, 2 eggs, and vanilla. 

Add the flour mixture and mix until combined.

Adding flour to the brownie mixture

4. Layer and Swirl

Alternate spoonfuls of the brownie and cheesecake batter into your prepared pan. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl them together, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the beautiful marbled effect!

Tip: Start with dollops of brownie batter in the corners and work your way inward for even layering.

5. Bake and Cool

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The center should be set but still soft. Let them cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing.

 

Now all that’s left is to taste your beautiful creation! 

Eating a plated marble cheesecake brownie with a fork

Storage Tips

These cheesecake marble brownies keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, and like our Frozen Turtle Pie recipe, freeze beautifully (wrap slices in foil and pop them in a freezer bag). 

Just bring to room temperature before serving, or better yet, microwave them for a few seconds for a melty, chocolatey treat. 

Plate of marble cheesecake brownies

Marble Cheesecake Brownies

Rich, fudgy, and beautifully swirled, these Marble Cheesecake Brownies combine the best of two desserts in one indulgent bite. With a tender brownie base and a creamy cheesecake swirl, they’re a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Marble Cheesecake Brownies
Servings: 16 Brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar ¼ cup for cheesecake batter + ½ cup for brownie batter
  • 3 eggs 1 for cheesecake batter + 2 for brownie batter
  • ¼ tsp almond extract optional
  • 1 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and ¼ cup sugar until smooth. Mix in egg and almond extract. Stir in milk chocolate chips. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Layer both batters into the prepared pan by alternating spoonfuls of brownie and cheesecake mixtures. Swirl with a butter knife for a marbled effect.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
Tried this recipe?Mention @southernplate or tag #southernplate!

44 Comments

  1. Mmm… That’s my kind of brownie! I have to find some people I can bake these for! Even when my husband was eating carbs he didn’t like anything extraneous on his brownies. Just plain brownie! One of those dropped on his head things, ya know! And I love almond flavoring!

  2. Girl! I am never going to lose weight if I continue to read your blog!! I just can’t resist trying the yummy recipes you share. These brownies look so good that I will probably bake them this weekend. We are expecting a very soggy weekend, so what could be better than a nice pan of brownies? Thanks for sharing!

  3. This is NOT helping the diet, Christy! Wow those look so yummy! I’m off to the store to get the chocolate chips & cream cheese!

  4. Cheesecake and chocolate. Oh my goodness! I want those brownies! I will be trying this recipe this weekend for sure.

    1. Alright Ronda, now I studied nutrition and therapeutic dietetics in college so I’m going to be completely objective here.

      Calcium is an integral part of every diet, especially in women. As we grow older, our bones tend to lose this valuable mineral and we have to take great care in making sure it is replenished.

      Seeing as how a good 50% of these brownies contain cheese (which we all know is calcium rich!)I not only recommend but urge you to eat these for breakfast and any other time you want them – especially if you are female!

      Besides, if you are craving them your body is likely pleading for more calcium. I’m sure that’s all you really wanted them for anyway. ~grins~
      Gratefully,
      Christy

      1. Thank you, I will pass on the extremely helpful information with a large glass of milk and a brownie (for nutritional purposes only) 🙂

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