The Best Thick & Fudgy Oreo Cheesecake Brownies
The Best Thick & Fudgy Oreo Cheesecake Brownies are everything you want in one dessert: rich brownies, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy Oreo cookies layered together in every bite.
Servings: brownies
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- 1 9x9 baking pan
- 1 sheet parchment paper
Ingredients
Brownie mixture
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder spooned and leveled
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake mixture
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 12-14 pieces Oreo cookies roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9x9-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides so you can lift the brownies out easily later.
- Start with the brownie mixture. Melt the butter in a large bowl and let it cool slightly so it is not too hot. Add the sugar and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The mixture should look thick and glossy.3/4 cup unsalted butter, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 3 large eggs
- Whisk in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined. Do not overmix.1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes to set the base, until the top looks matte and set (not shiny or wet).
- While the brownie layer is baking, prepare the cheesecake mixture. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy with no lumps. Add the vanilla extract, egg, and sour cream, and mix until fully combined. Add the flour and mix just until incorporated.8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons sour cream, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Fold the chopped Oreo cookies into the cheesecake mixture until evenly distributed.12-14 pieces Oreo cookies
- After the brownie layer has baked, remove it from the oven and gently pour the cheesecake mixture over the top, spreading it evenly.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 33 to 38 minutes, until the cheesecake layer is set around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan. For clean slices, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Do not skip the short pre-bake of the brownie layer because it helps keep the layers separate.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing for a smooth cheesecake mixture.
- Mixing on low speed helps prevent too much air in the cheesecake layer.
- The center should still look slightly soft when removed from the oven because it finishes setting while cooling.
- Refrigerating before slicing gives cleaner layers and neater cuts.
- Use parchment paper with extra hanging over the sides for easy lifting.
- Slightly warm brownies will look softer, but they firm up after chilling.
- Store leftover brownies in the refrigerator to keep the cheesecake layer fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brownie mix instead of homemade brownies?
Yes. Brownie mix works well if you want a faster version of this brownie recipe.Why do I need to pre-bake the brownie layer?
Pre-baking helps the cheesecake layer stay on top instead of mixing into the brownie batter.How do I know when the cheesecake layer is done?
The edges should look set while the center still looks slightly soft.Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.How should I store leftover brownies?
Store leftover brownies covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat brick cream cheese gives the best flavor and creamy cheesecake texture.