A decadent dessert combining a rich brownie base with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with hot fudge and garnished with whipped cream, sprinkles, nuts, and cherries.
Author:Emma Rossi
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time:5 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Eggs, oil, and water as specified on the brownie mix package
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, for intensified chocolate flavor)
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup hot fudge sauce
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)
Whipped cream, freshly whipped or canned
Sprinkles, rainbow or chocolate
Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or peanuts)
Maraschino cherries
Additional hot fudge sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
Mix brownie batter according to package directions, including espresso powder if using. Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until mostly set but slightly underdone.
Allow to cool slightly while preparing cheesecake filling.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully combined.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well and scraping the bowl after each addition.
Blend in sour cream, vanilla extract, and all-purpose flour. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled brownie base and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan and add hot water around the sides to form a water bath.
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until edges are firm but the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
Warm hot fudge sauce until just pourable. Spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Chill for an additional 20 minutes to allow the fudge layer to set.
Pipe or dollop whipped cream decoratively along the cheesecake’s edge. Scatter sprinkles and chopped nuts over the whipped cream.
Place a maraschino cherry atop each whipped cream swirl. Drizzle additional hot fudge over the finished cheesecake before serving.
Notes
Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
Use a water bath to prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
The dessert can be prepared a day in advance for best results.
Feel free to customize toppings according to preferences.