The best of all desserts.
These mocha cheesecake brownies are every bit as decadent and rich as they appear. They’re incredibly dense with a thick layer of sweet cheesecake and plenty of mocha flavor. If you love coffee, if you love chocolate, if you love brownies, if you love cheesecake, and—heck! if you love dessert—you must whip up a batch.
We’ll begin with the brownie layer. Now, I’m not going to try to convince you that my homemade brownies are better than box brownies (they are) but I AM going to tell you that my homemade frosted brownies recipe is one of the most popular recipes on my blog. And homemade brownies really aren’t that difficult to make.
To make homemade brownies, you have to start with really quality ingredients. My brownie recipe has butter, pure chocolate (key to the best flavor!), sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and a little salt. About the chocolate? I’m talking about pure chocolate, not chocolate chips. Pure chocolate sold in bar form in the baking aisle. For the sugar? Sometimes I use brown and white granulated sugar, but since this brownie recipe has a sweet cheesecake layer, I only use white granulated sugar and I slightly reduced the amount.
I don’t like to use too much flour in my homemade brownies because I like to keep them as dense and fudgy as possible. More flour equals a cakey brownie. A little bit of cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor. Don’t leave it out. You can use natural unsweetened or dutched cocoa. Espresso powder gives the brownies their mocha flavor. You can find espresso powder in most major grocery stores in the coffee aisle or purchase it online. If you pick up a new jar, know that you’ll use it often your baking. It’s fantastic in recipes like chocolate cake, mocha blondies, and Guinness chocolate cupcakes. Here are all of my recipes using espresso powder if you need ideas.
Notice how there is no leavening agent in these brownies? I do not add baking powder or soda to my brownies because I prefer them as dense (not airy or cakey!) as possible.
And, finally. The eggs. Eggs are crucial to making the very best brownies. I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a million times… eggs do hundreds of things in baking. From binding, to adding richness, to tenderizing, to providing structure and lift. My homemade brownie recipe uses 3 large high-quality eggs, which give the brownies a tight crumb, rich flavor, and the ultimate fudge-like texture.
Think a chocolate truffle meets chocolate fudge. That’s the texture of the homemade brownie layer.
The cheesecake layer! Super simple here: just brick-style cream cheese, sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla extract. I also add a fun secret ingredient: white chocolate chips. The white chocolate chips melt in the cheesecake layer as the brownies bake. And it tastes absolutely divine. They give the layer that little something extra. I added them at the last minute and, as it turns out, it was the best brownie decision ever.
The cheesecake layer is spread between two layers of brownies. So, you’ll spread half of the brownie batter into the pan, followed by the cheesecake, then the remaining brownie batter. Halving the brownie batter for the layers doesn’t have to be exact. It’s ok if there isn’t as much batter for the top layer—just do your best to spread it around on top of the cheesecake layer. It’ll taste good no matter how you layer it.
A sprinkle of mini chocolate chips on top of everything seals the deal: the amount of chocolate in these brownies is OUT OF CONTROL.
Moist, rich, and fudgy with coffee flavor and an absurd amount of chocolate… these mocha cheesecake brownies are the QUEEN of dessert.
Try my Nutella swirl cheesecake bars, coconut cheesecake brownies, or mint chocolate chip cheesecake brownies next. You are welcome.
PrintMocha Cheesecake Brownies
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Brownies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulgently rich and fudgy homemade mocha brownies are layered with white chocolate chip-studded cheesecake. They’re moist, rich, and fudgy with coffee flavor and lots of chocolate!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces (228g) coarsely chopped quality semi-sweet chocolate
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup + 2 Tablespoons (78g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 Tablespoons (10g) natural unsweetened or dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons espresso powder*
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- optional: 1/2 cup (90g) mini or regular size semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (180g) white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Make the brownie batter: Melt the butter and chopped chocolate in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Or melt in a medium microwave safe bowl in 20 second increments, stirring after each, in the microwave. Remove from the heat, pour into a large mixing bowl, and allow to slightly cool for 10 minutes.
- Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line the bottom and sides of a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides to easily lift the brownies out of the pan when cool. Set aside.
- Whisk the granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate/butter mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Whisk in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a large bowl using a handheld mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese for 1 minute on high speed until completely smooth and creamy. Reduce to medium-high speed and beat in the sugar until combined. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Finally, fold in the white chocolate chips with a silicone spatula or wooden spoon. Set aside.
- Spread about half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. The batter is thick, so do your best to spread it to every corner making 1 even layer. Top with all of the cheesecake batter. Spread this in a thick, even layer. Layer on the rest of the thick brownie batter, spreading as best you can. If some cheesecake swirls out on top or if you can’t quite cover the corners with brownie batter, that’s ok! Sprinkle the optional chocolate chips on top.
- Bake for 35–38 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the edges of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with only a few moist crumbs when the brownies are done. All ovens are different, so keep an eye on them after 30 minutes and use the toothpick test to see when yours are finished.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan set on a wire rack for 45 minutes. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. The cheesecake layer must be cold before cutting into squares.
- Once chilled, lift the parchment out of the pan using the overhang on the sides and cut into squares. For neat squares, I use a very sharp knife and wipe it clean with a paper towel after each cut.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze the brownies for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 9-inch Square Baking Pan | Parchment Paper | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Cooling Rack
- Espresso Powder: You can leave the espresso powder out to make regular cheesecake brownies. If you can’t find espresso powder, use 1 heaping Tablespoon of instant coffee (not ground coffee).
- Adapted from my Frosted Brownies recipe.
Which cocoa powder do you prefer in this recipe?
Hi Diane, I typically use Hershey’s brand unsweetened natural cocoa powder.
The family LOVE these!
I add extra dark chocolate chunks and raspberry to mine. They only last a few minutes after served (warmed up of course). Would love any sugar free recipes you might have for my newly diagnosed diabetic son!
A chocolate lovers dream! My husband (who isn’t the biggest chocolate fan but loves cheesecake) requested cheesecake brownies and my chocoholic self jumped at the chance to make these. They were delicious! My husband had 3 m. Can’t wait to share with the rest of my family. Thank you!
this is the best. I added chopped pecans and served it warm with vanilla ice cream. Thank you for the recipe.
Hi sally! Can I use salted butter for this recipe?
Hi Abby, Yes you can use salted butter.
I bought a square pan just to try this recipe, and oh boy! It’s the best brownies I’ve ever tasted! I’m making for my kids so I leave out the espresso, wondering how’d it taste with espresso. Im a coffee lover so might try this recipe soon. The key os to have a high quality ingredients. I wasn’t able to make it layer by layer like yours , so it’s kinda swirl up. Doesn’t matter, still delicious!
Hi Sally!! These brownies are so rich and delicious but I was hoping for a little bit more cheesecake flavor to come through. Do you think this recipe would work if I doubled the cheesecake filling?
I don’t see why not! You may need to adjust your bake time.
Made these for a neighborhood happy hour and they were delicious!! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe, Sally! ❤️
Just wanted to let you know, brownies ARE technically cookies. They are classified as bar cookies. Don’t let anyone stop you from bringing brownies to a cookie trade 🙂
I was never a fan of cooked cheesecake, but I can say this recipe…made my day. Is LUSH!
THANKS SALLY!
Hi Sally,
If I can’t get white chocolate chips could I used chopped white chocolate?
Yes, chopped white chocolate would be just fine instead of the white chocolate chips/morsels.
This recipe bcame out perfect! And very easy to make. Just one question, instead of granulated sugar can we use caster. Many thanks for taking the effort and sharing this recipe. It brought in early Christmas for us:)
They’re baking now, can’t wait to try them!! I think I’ll top with your chocolate ganache and then the mini chocolate chips. If I wanted to make a chocolate cheesecake layer next time, how would I go about that? What can I say, I’m a chocoholic. And positively ADDICTED to Sally’s Baking Addiction!
These brownies are incredible, what a fantastic recipe!! Don’t know why I waited so long to try them! Perfectly rich, chocolatey, and cheesecake-y!! Can’t wait to make them again, maybe with peppermint flavouring next time!
A few questions, online one baking site recommended whipping the eggs first before adding to the mix, I never have nor does your recipe say to do this? Did your test trials on this recipe include trying it that way, if so, how would affect this particular recipe? Also, I am wanting to double this recipe and bake in a 9 x 13. Baking time?
Generally whipping eggs whites and folding them into batter separately is done when you wish to create a light and airy texture in something like a cake. Here we are going for a dense and fudgy texture!
For a larger batch I suggest making 2 batches of each layer and adding to the 9×13 pan. I’m unsure of the exact bake time.
I love this recipe so much! Can you double it! My only complaint is it doesn’t make enough!
Using Sally’s recipe and me, just doing what she told me, I have been told….the brownies are amazing from one person and from another….best thing I have had in my mouth. What more could a baker want to hear? After the birthday party (with Sally’s Favorite Carrot Cake, as the centerpiece), I took the leftovers into the staff, where we were at. A couple of the customers (friends of mine) started talking among themselves…..did you try the brownies? Alas, they were all gone. There’s a peanut butter freak in there and he took a bite of the fudge (again a Sally’s recipe). Let’s just say, the look on his face was everything!
Sally, thank you for 3 unbelievable recipes!!
Can I use espresso ground coffee instead of powder if I adjust how much I put in?
Sure can! See my recipe note.
I made these with a heaping 1T instant coffee, and oh my goodness…AMAZING! I was worried I’d overbaked them, but after a few hours in the fridge, they were so moist and fudgy! Next time I might even use more coffee.
(I also have to confess I used chocolate chips instead of “real” chocolate in the brownies, and it was still delicious…in case anyone out there is lazy like me!)
Thank you for another awesome recipe! I baked these for work yesterday, minus the espresso, and they were a huge hit for the whole office. Your website is always my go to for flawless recipes. Thanks again!
My husband absolutely loved these! I wanted to ask you though about an issue I had: the brownie crumbled as I cut the slices. I notice in your pictures that your top layer is very thin; mine was as thick as the bottom layer. I chilled them overnight before cutting so am not sure what went wrong. Thanks for your advice!
I didn’t have the chocolate and esspresso ingredients on hand, but after reading the recipie I was so excited to make these brownies that I decided to splurge. They are great!!!! I was so amazed at how easy it was to put them together and the smelled so goo in the oven that I didn’t wait 2 1/2 hours to try them. They are delicious. I omitted the chocolate chips (s little too much for me). Next time I would like to try the brownies without the cheesecake and add nuts. Do you have a variation for that or should I just use the recipie as is and omit and add as I like?
Also, thanks for the spooning flour tip. After reading it, I decided to use my diet scale to measure out the flour.
I’m glad you measured out the flour because it really does make a difference in the final product. You can certainly just leave out the cheesecake layer and then add nuts directly to the brownie batter. Hope you enjoy!
Hi Sally, may i substitute the espresso powder with mocha paste?
I don’t see why not!
I’ve made these twice, and it’s AMAZING!! Pretty easy to make and so good with the brownie layer and the sweet (but not too sweet) cheesecake filling. The first time around I chilled them overnight before cutting, but I had only about twenty minutes the second time. The pieces at the edge fell apart a little when I cut them. So I’ll make sure I allow enough chilling time next time I make it. There will be a next time for sure!!
Also, reheating a piece in the microwave for a few seconds: best thing ever!!
I just made this recipe. It’s in the oven now. I went a little bit overboard and subd chocolate chips with lindt truffles (white, dark and milk chocolate accordingly). I also used honey vanilla yogurt instead of vanilla extract because I am completely insane. I can’t wait to try them tomorrow!!!! Your recipes are always awesome and I’ve never been disappointed in any of the ones I made.
These are the best brownies!!! Made them for an early Christmas lunch get together today. Served with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. My husband and his buddies stopped talking once they started eating. Always a good sign…they were too busy enjoying the decadent dessert. Thanks Sally for the amazing recipe!!!
Oh these brownies…decadent!!
Sally,
I made these the same day you posted the recipe. I adore (all of ) your recipes, and was looking for something to make for girl’s night, then BAM! These were fan-freaking-tastic. Incredible combination of my favorite flavors. Thanks for sharing this with your readers!
I don’t know what i have done wrong. I used foil. and Have baked this for at LEAST a hour. The chocolate is runny. It sticks to the foil. nothing is turning out right. It will have to go in the trash. Just didn’t work as planned