Enjoy these cheesecake brownies with a creamy swirl and fudgy base. Lower in sugar and fat, they’re a guilt-free treat you’ll love!

A family of four happily enjoying Cheesecake Brownies at a cozy kitchen table, with rich and creamy Cheesecake Brownies as the main focus.

Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love a sweet treat that’s also a bit lighter? These cheesecake brownies hit the spot perfectly! With a rich, fudgy brownie base and a creamy cheesecake swirl, you get all the indulgence you crave without the extra calories. I’ve made them with wholesome ingredients like almond meal and honey, so you can enjoy every bite without any guilt!

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2 large eggs (for binding the ingredients and adding moisture)
  • 3/4 cup finely ground almond meal or flour (adds a nutty flavor and makes the brownies gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (provides rich chocolate flavor)
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (enhances the overall flavor)
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda (helps the brownies rise and become fluffy)
  • 1/4 cup water (adds moisture to the batter)
  • 1/2 cup raw honey (natural sweetener that adds moisture and richness)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided (for a touch of warmth and sweetness, used in both the brownie and cheesecake layers)
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (for extra chocolatey goodness)
  • 6 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened (creates the creamy cheesecake layer)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (sweetens the cheesecake layer)

How do you Make Brownies Instructions

A parchment-lined 9 x 9-inch pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, ready for brownies, with an oven set to 325°F in the background.

1. Prep the Pan: Start by setting your oven to 325°F. Take a 9 x 9-inch baking pan, give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides a bit—this trick makes lifting the brownies out of the pan a breeze!

kitchen scene showing a bowl of wet ingredients being whisked, alongside a bowl of mixed dry ingredients, ready for baking.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk until they’re well combined. Then stir in 1/4 cup of water, honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together the almond meal, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.

Mixing brownie batter with chocolate chips and swirling cream cheese for a marbled effect in a cozy kitchen scene.

3. Make the Batter: Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is nicely blended. Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Blend the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar, the reserved egg white, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread this creamy mixture over the brownie batter, then use a toothpick to swirl it gently for a marbled look.

A pan of brownies baking in the oven with a toothpick test, cooling on the counter before being sliced into 12 bars.

4. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, the brownies are ready!

 Close-up of chocolate cheesecake brownies with a rich, creamy texture.

5. Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set and makes it easier to cut them into 12 bars.

Tips and Tricks

For a perfect swirl, spoon the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and use a toothpick to create a gentle marbled effect. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will give you that beautiful, creamy look.

How to Freeze Brownies

Cool the brownies fully before cutting them into bars. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They freeze well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour before enjoying.

Benefits of This Cheesecake Brownies

These cheesecake brownies are a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without all the extra calories and sugar. With almond meal for added protein and fiber and raw honey for natural sweetness, they’re a healthier choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

Important Things About This Recipe

  • Almond Meal: Gives a unique texture and rich flavor without extra fat.
  • Cream Cheese: Needs to be softened for a smooth swirl.
  • Cooling Time: Essential for clean slices and proper texture.

More Recipes Ideas

Close-up view of a dish of cheesecake brownies with a fudgy brownie base and creamy cheesecake topping.

Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Pamela J. Willis
Delicious cheesecake brownies with a creamy swirl. A lighter dessert that’s rich, fudgy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup finely ground almond meal or flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup raw honey
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract divided
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 6 ounces 1/3 less fat cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Pan: Start by setting your oven to 325°F. Take a 9 x 9-inch baking pan, give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray, and line it with parchment paper. Let the paper hang over the sides a bit—this trick makes lifting the brownies out of the pan a breeze!
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 egg yolk until they’re well combined. Then stir in 1/4 cup of water, honey, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the almond meal, cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda.
  • Make the Batter: Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is nicely blended. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
  • Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: Blend the softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of sugar, the reserved egg white, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Spread this creamy mixture over the brownie batter, then use a toothpick to swirl it gently for a marbled look.
  • Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. Check with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, the brownies are ready!
  • Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps them set and makes it easier to cut them into 12 bars.

Notes

  1. Almond Meal: Adds moisture and a rich flavor to the brownies without needing extra fat.
  2. Raw Honey: A natural sweetener that works perfectly with the chocolate chips for just the right amount of sweetness.
  3. Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s fully softened so the swirl is nice and smooth.
  4. Baking Time: Check the brownies a few minutes before the end to avoid overbaking and keep them nice and fudgy.
  5. Cooling Time: Let them cool completely before cutting to keep them from falling apart.

Nutritional Details

  • Calories: 150 per serving
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 11g
  • Protein: 4g
Keyword Baked Oatmeal, Healthy dessert, Low-Sugar Dessert, Nutritious, side dish

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