Looking for a dessert that blends rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake into one unforgettable bite? Brownie Cheesecake Cups are the perfect answer. These mini treats offer the best of both worlds—fudgy brownie bottoms topped with tangy cheesecake swirls. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a kid’s party, or a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to make, bake beautifully in cupcake liners, and store well for later indulgence. In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process and share helpful baking tips, variations, and answers to common questions about these irresistible brownie cheesecake cups.
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My Story Behind These Brownie Cheesecake Cups
A recipe born from two cravings
There’s something magical about baking when the weather cools down. A few years ago, I found myself staring at a half-eaten tray of brownies and a tub of cream cheese nearing its expiration date. That spontaneous decision to swirl some cheesecake batter into brownie mix created one of the most delicious dessert mashups I’ve ever made—Brownie Cheesecake Cups. The texture, the flavor, the gooey center—it was love at first bite.
Why these brownie cheesecake cups are a staple in my kitchen
Brownies are comforting. Cheesecake feels special. Together? They’re unforgettable. What makes this recipe stand out is how simple it is. You don’t need fancy ingredients or baking skills to pull it off. Just your favorite brownie mix, cream cheese, and a muffin tin. They bake into neat little cups that look as good as they taste—perfect for sharing, packing in lunchboxes, or freezing for future sweet cravings. And yes, you can absolutely use cupcake liners or silicone molds. You’ll find that the cheesecake layer gives the brownies a creamy contrast that cuts through the richness in the best way. I always include this one when preparing for gatherings or birthday platters because it consistently disappears first.
While you’re on the hunt for more crowd-pleasing ideas, don’t miss out on my Mango Cheesecake Brownies or the super easy Chocolate Mug Cake—both equally comforting and perfect for dessert lovers like you. And if you enjoy mini desserts, the Mini Lemon Cheesecakes might just be your next favorite!
How to Make Brownie Cheesecake Cups Step-by-Step
Ingredients and preparation essentials
To make the best Brownie Cheesecake Cups, you’ll need just a few everyday ingredients. You can use a boxed brownie mix for convenience or a homemade recipe if you prefer. The cheesecake layer requires only softened cream cheese, sugar, an egg yolk, and a splash of vanilla extract.
Here’s what you’ll need for about 12 cups:
- 1 box of brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, water as directed)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or silicone cups. This keeps the brownie cheesecake cups from sticking and makes removal easy. It also gives them a clean, professional finish—great for gifting or entertaining.
Want to make your desserts stand out? Serve them with a drink like my Strawberry Banana Protein Shake or finish with a cool Iced Mango Matcha Latte.
Step-by-step assembly and baking
Start by mixing the brownie batter according to the package or recipe instructions. In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each cupcake liner. Add 1 teaspoon of the cheesecake mixture on top. You can either swirl it with a toothpick for a marbled effect or simply layer them. Top with more brownie batter, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
Bake for 16–18 minutes, checking around minute 15. The edges should be firm while the centers remain slightly soft. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once cooled, chill them in the refrigerator for the perfect texture.
Simple Tips for Baking the Best Brownie Cheesecake Cups
The key to combining brownie mix with cream cheese
Ever wondered what happens if you add cream cheese to brownie mix? You get Brownie Cheesecake Cups—the best of both dessert worlds. The cream cheese transforms your brownie batter into something next level: rich, velvety, and full of flavor contrast. The sweetness of the brownie meets the tang of the cheesecake in every bite. To do this right, spoon your brownie batter into lined muffin cups, add a generous spoonful of cheesecake mixture, and swirl gently. It’s not just a visual win; the texture is unbeatable.
Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure smooth mixing. Whether you’re using a box brownie mix or your favorite homemade recipe, the results will be delicious either way. Just don’t overmix once the cream cheese is added—this keeps the cheesecake layer light and creamy instead of dense.
You can even mix in fun additions like crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, or a touch of espresso powder. These extra flavors play beautifully with both the brownie and cheesecake elements. If you like creative twists, try baking my Matcha Brownies or Tiramisu Cookies—both full of character.
Can you bake brownie mix in cupcake cups?
Yes, and it’s a smart idea! You can absolutely put brownie mix into cupcake liners. It creates individual portions, perfect for events or quick treats. Simply line a muffin tin, fill each one about three-quarters of the way, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. The brownie edges will be chewy, and the centers will stay soft with that dreamy cheesecake layer.
Cupcake cups also help with cleanup and freezing. You can cool, wrap, and freeze each Brownie Cheesecake Cup for later. It’s a go-to method I always use when prepping ahead for parties or sweet cravings on the fly.
How to Store, Chill & Serve Brownie Cheesecake Cups
Do brownies with cream cheese need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they absolutely do. Since these Brownie Cheesecake Cups include a cream cheese layer, they must be refrigerated once cooled. Leaving them at room temperature for more than a couple of hours can cause the dairy to spoil, which affects both safety and texture. Once fully cooled, transfer the cups into an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them. They’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you want to store them longer, they freeze beautifully. Just wrap each brownie cheesecake cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a ziplock bag or freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy one, thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 30 minutes. The cheesecake layer softens back into its creamy texture without needing to reheat.
A quick tip: serve them slightly chilled for a firm bite or let them rest at room temp for 10 minutes for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Looking for another chilled dessert? You’ll enjoy my Mini Biscoff Cheesecake, which shares the same creamy indulgence but with a spiced cookie twist. Or for a refreshing side, check out my Strawberry Matcha Cake—another favorite from my summer dessert rotation.
Fun serving ideas and topping suggestions
Presentation makes a difference, especially if you’re serving these for guests. You can dress up Brownie Cheesecake Cups with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a spoonful of whipped cream. For extra flair, top with fresh raspberries, mini chocolate chips, or crushed Oreo crumbs. You can also warm them slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent twist.
When serving at events, display them on a tiered dessert tray or wrap them in parchment for gifting. They look impressive and taste even better!
Brownie Cheesecake Cups
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a muffin tin with paper liners or silicone cups.
- Prepare brownie batter according to the package or your recipe instructions.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each liner. Add 1 teaspoon of cheesecake mixture on top and swirl gently with a toothpick.
- Add another spoonful of brownie batter on top, filling each liner about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 16–18 minutes. The edges should be firm and centers slightly soft.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before refrigerating.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQS
Can you put brownie mix in cupcake cups?
Yes, it works perfectly. Just fill liners in a muffin tin and bake for 15–20 minutes.
What happens if you add cream cheese to brownie mix?
It creates a rich, creamy layer that balances the sweetness and adds tangy flavor.
Do brownies with cream cheese need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Store in the fridge to keep the cream cheese layer fresh and safe.
How to make cheesecake brownies in a preppy kitchen?
Use simple tools like a bowl and muffin tin—assemble, swirl, and bake in small batches.
Conclusion
Brownie Cheesecake Cups are indulgent, satisfying, and portion-friendly. Whether you’re baking for friends or keeping treats on hand for yourself, these cups make dessert feel special without going overboard. With easy prep, simple ingredients, and creamy-chocolatey flavor in every bite, they’re perfect for everyday enjoyment.
Desserts like this can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle. In fact, occasional treats can support a healthy relationship with food. Want to know how? Check out this helpful article from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: Sweet But Not Too Sweet: Making Room for Treats in a Healthy Diet.