Ingredients
Scale
The Creamy Crown (Cheesecake Layer)
- 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature is crucial!)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 cup premium white chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (my secret addition)
The Fudgy Foundation (Brownie Base)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (high-quality for best results)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder (my special touch)
Instructions
- Set the Stage
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Line 9×9 pan with parchment, leaving overhang for easy removal
- Pro tip: Lightly grease parchment for extra insurance
- Craft the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat cream cheese until cloud-like (about 2 minutes)
- Add sugar gradually while beating
- Mix in egg and vanilla until silky smooth
- Fold in white chocolate chips
- Set aside to dream
- Create Brownie Brilliance
- Use double-boiler method (water bath) to melt butter and chocolate
- Stir in espresso powder while warm
- Mix in sugar until glistening
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined
- Fold in dry ingredients gently
- The Assembly
- Layer half the brownie batter in pan
- Pour cheesecake mixture over
- Top with remaining brownie batter
- Create mesmerizing swirls with a knife
- Pro tip: Less is more with swirling!
- Bake to Perfection
- 25-30 minutes at 350°F
- Look for crinkled top and slight jiggle
- Cool completely (patience is key!)
Notes
- Store in fridge up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Let come to room temperature before serving
- Cut with hot knife for clean edges