Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups (Printable)
Fudgy brownie cups with creamy cheesecake filling and loaded toppings for a decadent party dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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 oz 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 Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease thoroughly with butter.
02 - Melt butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar until mixture appears glossy and smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, beating until fully incorporated.
03 - Sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt directly into the wet mixture. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing to prevent tough texture.
04 - Distribute brownie batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, using approximately 1 heaping tablespoon per cup.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until completely smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; continue mixing until creamy and free of lumps.
06 - Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of cheesecake filling over each brownie base. Use the back of the spoon to gently spread and level the surface.
07 - Generously sprinkle each cup with your selected toppings—mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, crushed Oreos, and mini M&Ms. Press lightly to ensure adhesion.
08 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until cheesecake centers are set and brownie edges appear firm but slightly fudgy. Centers should not jiggle when pan is gently shaken.
09 - Let cups cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and texture to firm before serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You get two desserts in one bite without the fuss of layering
- The topping combinations are endless so everyone gets their favorite
02 -
- Overbaking is the enemy, check at 20 minutes and pull them when the edges are firm but centers still jiggle slightly
- Room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake layer are non-negotiable for smooth results
03 -
- Use a cookie scoop to portion the brownie batter and cheesecake filling evenly
- If you only have regular-sized chocolate chips, chop them into smaller pieces first