This recipe is definitely one that I am going to keep, for several reasons. First, there is the amazing combination of tastes and textures. Just imagine the creamy silkiness of cheesecake paired with the thick, moist chewy layer of brownies.

Then there is the fact that this is a real showstopper when it comes to presentation. It is stunning with the black-and-orange coloring for the Halloween theme, but it would be just as impressive if you left the cheesecake layer its natural creamy white color.

Finally, I am thinking ahead to other holidays. Imagine a red and green cheesecake for Christmas, red for Valentine’s Day, pale lavender for Easter, or red-white-and-blue for the 4^th of July.

 

INGREDIENTS

For the Brownie Layer

1 cup sugar

½ cup flour

½ cup Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking powder

2 eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Layer

1 brick (8oz) cream cheese, at room temp

¼ cup sugar

1 egg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Orange food coloring

 

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper or foil and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside.

For the Brownie Layer

In a medium bowl, add the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

In a small bowl, add the eggs, oil, and vanilla. Mix with a fork until well combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula until just combined.

Reserve ¼ cup of the batter for the swirls then pour the remaining batter into the prepared baking dish.

For the Cream Cheese Layer

In a medium bowl, add the cream cheese, sugar, egg, & vanilla. Blend until smooth. Add in the orange food coloring and stir to combine.

Gently spread the cream cheese layer on top of the brownie batter.

Drop tablespoons of the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl with a knife or skewer.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until set (this may take quite a bit longer, depending on the calibration of your oven temperature). Remove and let cool completely before slicing.

USE RED NEXT PAGE LINK BELOW

NEXT

Quick Tip:  Use dark chocolate cocoa powder to get really dark brownies or add black food coloring to the batter if using regular cocoa powder.

Recipe and image courtesy of Melissa at Persnickety Plates