For the brownie base:
- 1 box brownie mix (fudge or dark chocolate) or homemade batter
- 1 egg + ⅓ cup oil + ¼ cup water (per box instructions)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the toppings (choose your favorites!):
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate or caramel sauce
- Rainbow sprinkles
- Crushed Oreos or brownie bits
- Mini marshmallows
- Chopped nuts or chocolate chips
- Cherries (for a Black Forest twist)
🧁 Instructions
- Bake the brownie base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare brownie batter as directed.
- Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners .
- Fill each liner ½ full with brownie batter.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes (just until set — don’t overbake).
- Make the cheesecake layer
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spoon about 1–2 tsp over each brownie cup.
- Bake again
- Return to oven and bake 10–12 minutes , until cheesecake is set.
- Let cool completely, then chill for 1 hour in the fridge.
- Load them up!
- Top with whipped cream , a drizzle of chocolate or caramel , and your favorite sprinkles, nuts, or candies .
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Results
🔥 Don’t overbake — slightly underdone brownies stay fudgy
🔥 Use room-temperature cream cheese — prevents lumps
🔥 Chill before topping — keeps whipped cream from melting
🔥 Make them ahead — assemble and refrigerate for up to 3 days
🔥 Freeze for later — freeze unbaked or baked cups for up to 3 months
Ways to Customize Your Cups
Make them your own with these fun twists:
- 🍓 Strawberry Swirl – Add a spoonful of strawberry jam to the cheesecake
- 🍫 Triple Chocolate – Use chocolate graham crust + chocolate chips in the filling
- 🍁 S’mores Style – Top with marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs
- 🍨 Ice Cream Version – Turn them into parfaits with ice cream layers
- 🍫 Nutella Swirl – Swirl Nutella into the cheesecake before baking
- 🍩 Mini Donut Topping – Add a tiny donut on top for fun
What to Serve With Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups
These cups are rich and satisfying on their own, but here are some great pairings:
- A cold glass of milk or cold brew coffee
- A scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream
- A festive drink like hot cocoa or a chocolate martini
Perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- Holiday desserts
- Game day treats
- Freezing for future cravings
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I make them no-bake?
Yes! Use no-bake brownie bases (crushed cookies + butter) and whipped cheesecake filling (cream cheese + whipped cream). Chill 4+ hours.
❓ Can I use store-bought brownies?
Absolutely! Crumble and press into cups as a crust, then add cheesecake layer.
❓ Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months . Thaw in the fridge.
❓ Are they gluten-free?
Yes — if you use gluten-free brownie mix and check all ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups are the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and fun — a dessert that’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy .
With their fudgy base, smooth cheesecake, and mountain of toppings , they’re no wonder this recipe is a party favorite and chocolate lover’s dream .
