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Peanut Butter Paradise Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

4.5 from 479 reviews

Peanut Butter Paradise Cheesecake Brownies combine a fudgy, rich chocolate brownie base with a salty-sweet peanut butter swirl and a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer. This decadent dessert balances intense chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and velvety cheesecake to create an irresistible treat perfect for celebrations or indulgent everyday moments.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Base

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder

Peanut Butter Swirl

  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Cheesecake Topping

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition, followed by vanilla. Stir in cocoa powder, espresso powder, flour, and salt just until combined to maintain a fudgy texture.
  2. Layering Peanut Butter Swirl: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), and melted butter. Warm briefly in the microwave (15–20 seconds) until pourable. Drop spoonfuls over the batter and use a knife to swirl the mixture gently in circles to create a marbled effect.
  3. Preparing Cheesecake Topping: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the swirled batter, spreading gently so it fills the gaps for a smooth layer.
  4. Baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes until edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The cheesecake layer should be set but not dry or cracked.
  5. Cooling and Cutting: Cool the brownies completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 45 minutes to allow layers to firm up. Use parchment overhang (if used) to lift the brownies from the pan and cut into 12 generous squares.
  6. Finishing Touches: For added flair, drizzle with additional melted peanut butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt over the cooled brownies. Serve at room temperature for a soft bite or chilled for a firmer texture. Enjoy the decadent layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and cheesecake in every delicious forkful.

Notes

  • Use room-temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs to ensure a smooth batter and cheesecake topping without lumps.
  • Do not over-mix once flour is added to avoid cakey brownies; mix just until ingredients are combined.
  • Use a skewer or thin knife for even, beautiful peanut butter swirls.
  • Begin checking doneness at 28 minutes to prevent overbaking; brownies set further as they cool.
  • Lining the pan with parchment makes removal and cutting easier and helps keep edges clean.
  • Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze portions up to three months.
  • Reheat refrigerated brownies in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes covered with foil or microwave for 30–45 seconds, optionally drizzling with melted peanut butter after heating.

Keywords: Peanut Butter Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Chocolate Brownie Recipe, Peanut Butter Swirl, Dessert Bars