Brownie Cheesecake

The perfect dessert for chocolate and cheese lovers is undoubtedly Brownie Cheesecake. This recipe combines the rich delight of brownies with the creamy texture of cheesecake, providing a unique culinary experience. Whether you want to impress guests at a party or simply indulge in a quiet evening, this dessert is the ideal choice.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

To help you achieve a perfect result, we have structured the recipe into clearly defined steps, providing useful details and practical tips. Let's begin!

Ingredients

For the cheesecake:
- 250 g ricotta
- 250 g mascarpone
- 100 g cream cheese (Philadelphia type is ideal)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg

For the brownie:
- 300 g chocolate (choose a high-quality chocolate with a high cocoa content)
- 200 g butter
- 200 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 6 eggs
- A pinch of salt

Preparing the cheesecake

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with easier homogenization of the mixture.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the ricotta, mascarpone, cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg. Using an electric mixer, mix on medium speed until you achieve a smooth and homogeneous mixture, free of lumps.

3. Chilling the cream: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate while we prepare the brownie batter. This step will help the cream thicken slightly.

Preparing the brownie batter

1. Melting the chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, add the broken chocolate pieces and diced butter. Place the bowl over a double boiler (a pot with hot water) and stir constantly until the chocolate and butter melt completely. Once melted, let them cool slightly.

2. Beating the eggs: In another bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Beat with a mixer on high speed until the mixture becomes frothy and doubles in volume. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy brownie.

3. Combining the ingredients: Once the chocolate has cooled, add it to the egg and sugar mixture, stirring gently with a spatula.

4. Incorporating the flour: Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt over the chocolate and egg mixture. Use a spatula to incorporate the dry ingredients into the mixture, being careful not to overmix.

5. Preparing the pan: Line a baking tray (approximately 30x20 cm) with parchment paper, ensuring that it is well covered on all sides.

Assembling the brownie cheesecake

1. Pouring the batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared tray, leveling it evenly with a spatula.

2. Adding the cheesecake: Using a spoon, place dollops of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter. It doesn't need to be perfect, as it will mix slightly with the chocolate during baking.

3. Swirling: Use a fork to create a beautiful pattern, gently swirling the cheesecake dollops through the brownie batter. This step not only adds an artistic touch but also enhances the flavor.

Baking

1. Preheating the oven: Before placing the cake in the oven, ensure it is preheated to 180°C (medium).

2. Baking: Bake the brownie cheesecake for 40-45 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few chocolate strands, it's done.

3. Cooling: Once removed from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. It is recommended to let it cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating for a few hours (or overnight, if you have patience). This will allow the flavors to develop and make slicing easier.

Serving

The brownie cheesecake is delicious both plain and with various toppings. You can serve it with warm chocolate sauce or fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries. A dollop of sour cream or whipped cream on top adds an extra touch of creaminess.

Variations and tips

- Chocolate variations: You can also experiment with white chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- Adding nuts: If you like nuts, add 100 g of pecans or chopped walnuts to the brownie batter for an extra texture.
- Flavoring: You can add orange or lemon zest to the cheesecake for a fresher taste.

Nutritional information

This cake is quite rich in calories, with approximately 350-400 calories per serving, but it also offers plenty of nutritional benefits due to the proteins in the cheese and antioxidants in the chocolate.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese?
- Of course! If you don't have ricotta, you can use only mascarpone or well-drained cottage cheese.

2. How can I store the brownie cheesecake?
- Keep it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week. You can freeze it, but make sure to wrap it well to avoid absorbing odors.

3. Can it be made gluten-free?
- Yes! Replace the flour with a gluten-free option, such as almond flour or gluten-free flour blends.

The brownie cheesecake is undoubtedly a dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Making it is a true pleasure, and the final result is a delicious combination of textures and flavors that will surely be appreciated. So don't hesitate and get ready to enjoy a slice of sweet happiness!