By: Jill Mills Updated: Sep 19, 2024

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Indulge in pure dessert heaven with this homemade Brownie Bottom Cheesecake! Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling—it’s the perfect combo of two classic treats in one bite.

Overhead view of a slice of Brownie Bottom Cheesecake on a white plate with walnuts and whipped cream, next to the rest of the cheesecake and a red checkered napkin.

Featured Comment

So delicious and easy to make! My family loved it!

– Jacie

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Easy Cheesecake with Brownie Crust

This is one of the simplest cheesecake recipes I’ve ever made! Very few ingredients are needed, and the crust is made of boxed brownie mix. Prepping only takes a few minutes—then the oven does the rest of the work! I’ve made this recipe as a replacement for classic birthday cakes and holiday parties. I promise that this will be a showstopper at any event.

Why You’ll Love This Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

Customizable recipe. From the toppings to the mix-ins, the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Easy ingredients. This cheesecake has easy pantry staples. It’s also inexpensive.
Freezes well. Make this ahead and store it in your freezer. Thaw it before you’re ready to serve, it’s that easy!

Top view of the whole Brownie Bottom Cheesecake drizzled with chocolate, with a slice missing, revealing the chocolate brownie layer underneath the cheesecake.

Recipe Ingredients

This is a very simple recipe! The brownie bottom is made of a boxed mix to take out some of the work. It’s still so yummy. To find more information and measurements, scroll to the recipe card below.

Brownie mix: Use any brand of classic brownie mix that you enjoy or make our easy homemade brownie mix. Dark chocolate, fudge, etc, are all great! You will also need any ingredients listed on the back because you will be mixing them according to the package directions.
Cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before you make the filling. This will give you a perfectly smooth result.
Eggs: Adding eggs will not only provide structure to your cheesecake but it also provides some richness as well.
Sugar: To sweeten up the filling, you need sugar! I use simple white granulated sugar for this.
Vanilla: The subtle vanilla flavor pairs perfectly with the cream cheese and the brownie crust. It also enhances the chocolate flavor.
Hot fudge: I use this as a garnish after the brownie bottom cheesecake has been baked. The extra chocolate takes it over the top! Use your favorite brand or try Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce.

Ingredients for Brownie Bottom Cheesecake, including eggs, sugar, cream cheese, vanilla extract, brownie mix, oil, and water, arranged on a marble countertop.

How To Make Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

Below are the steps needed to achieve this amazing brownie cheesecake. These directions are very easy to follow and prep time is actually pretty fast!

For the best presentation, you’ll want to use a springform pan, but if you do not have one, you can use a 9-inch round pan instead. Grease the pan with non-stick cooking spray and pour the prepared brownie batter into it.

Prep the oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9-inch springform pan (or a regular cake pan) with non-stick cooking spray.
Make and transfer brownie mix. Mix the brownie batter according to the package directions. Then, transfer it to the greased pan.
Beat the cream cheese. Add the cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat it with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.

Brownie batter poured into a springform pan, ready to be baked.

Cheesecake batter being stirred with a wooden spoon in a metal mixing bowl.

Add the remaining ingredients. Beat in the egg, sugar, and vanilla until fully combined.
Spoon over brownie batter. Scoop the cheesecake mixture over the brown batter. Spread it evenly over the top without mixing it into the brownie.
Bake. Put the pan in the oven and bake it for 30 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 325 degrees F and bake it for an additional 15 minutes.

Springform pan filled with cheesecake batter and brownie base, ready for baking.

Brownie Bottom Cheesecake freshly baked with a golden cheesecake layer and slight cracks on top.

Cool and remove from the pan. Allow the baked cheesecake to cool to room temperature and then remove it from the springform pan.
Add hot fudge and serve. Drizzle hot fudge on top and enjoy a slice!

Variation Ideas

Although Brownie Bottom Cheesecake is so perfect as it is, here are some great variations and serving ideas if you want to add your own touch:

Candy: Try chopped peanut butter cups, M&Ms, or chocolate chips on top.
Mini chocolate chips—Add 1/2 cup of mini semi-sweet chocolate chips to either the cheesecake batter or the brownie batter. Don’t use milk chocolate, as it will not hold up well to the baking time.
Turtle brownie bottom cheesecake: Top the finished cheesecake with semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped toasted pecans, and a drizzle of caramel sauce and hot fudge sauce.

Garnish: Serve the cheesecake with whipped cream, toasted pecans or walnuts, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Walnuts – Add 1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts to the brownie batter.
Peanut butter cups – Chop peanut butter cups and sprinkle them over the top of the finished cheesecake.
Fresh berries: Pile fresh raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries on top of the finished cheesecake, then drizzle with the hot fudge sauce. Add fresh mint leaves for garnish.

a bite taken out of brownie bottom cheesecake

Proper Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving. I recommend waiting to add any garnishes (including the hot fudge sauce) until right before you eat them.

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