If you’ve ever been torn between choosing a rich brownie or a creamy cheesecake for dessert, this Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake lets you have the best of both worlds. It features a chewy, ultra-chocolatey brownie base with a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer baked right on top. The two textures play off each other perfectly—decadent, fudgy, creamy, and slightly tangy.

This dessert is perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or just an indulgent weekend treat. The best part? It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make with a few pantry staples. You get the deep satisfaction of biting into a chocolate brownie, followed by that velvety cheesecake finish that melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

This recipe is a dessert dream come true for chocolate and cheesecake lovers. The combination of flavors is indulgent but balanced, and it slices beautifully for serving. Whether you serve it chilled or at room temperature, the contrasting textures make every bite a treat. Plus, it stores well, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use in the Brownie Base?

To get that deep fudgy flavor, opt for unsweetened cocoa powder along with melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate. The combo creates a dense, rich base that holds up under the creamy cheesecake. You can even toss in chocolate chips for added texture and pockets of melty chocolate.

Ingredients for the Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

The beauty of this dessert lies in its simple ingredient list. You probably have most of these on hand, and each one plays a key role in texture and flavor.

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate (melted)
Cream cheese
Sour cream
Powdered sugar

The butter and chocolate are key to that gooey brownie base, while the cream cheese and sour cream give the cheesecake its signature tang and creaminess. Vanilla adds aroma and depth to both layers.

How To Make the Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a springform pan. In a bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together until smooth. Stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt just until combined. Spread the batter into the pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Layer

While the brownie base is baking, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until the mixture is velvety.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Once the brownie layer is slightly set, pour the cheesecake mixture over it and spread evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. Slice and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store This Cheesecake

This Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake can serve 10 to 12 people depending on your slice size. It’s rich, so smaller pieces go a long way. For best texture, serve it slightly chilled. To store, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month.

What to Serve With Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake?

Fresh Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries cut through the richness beautifully.

Whipped Cream

A cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream is always welcome.

Salted Caramel Sauce

Drizzle over the top for a salty-sweet finish.

Chocolate Ganache

For the ultimate indulgence, pour a glossy ganache over the chilled cheesecake.

Espresso or Strong Coffee

The bitterness of coffee complements the chocolate like nothing else.

Vanilla Ice Cream

A cold scoop alongside a rich slice is a texture contrast worth trying.

Toasted Nuts

Pecans or almonds add crunch and a nutty balance.

Want More Cheesecake Ideas?

If you love this Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake, you’ll adore these other creative and crowd-pleasing favorites:

4-Ingredient Banana Greek Yogurt Cheesecake for a lighter twist.
Easter Chocolate Lasagna if you’re craving more chocolate layers.
Peanut Butter S’mores Sandwich Cookies for a nutty, gooey alternative.
Decadent Chocolate S’mores Cupcakes when you want cheesecake in cupcake form.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra chocolate chips? Try it with a swirl of peanut butter? I’m always inspired by your takes on my desserts.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and decadent desserts on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to treat!

Conclusion

This Fudgy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake is rich, decadent, and surprisingly simple to pull off. Whether you’re celebrating or just looking for something extraordinary to end a meal, this dessert checks all the boxes. It’s a hit with guests, perfect for make-ahead, and just the right balance of gooey and creamy. Give it a try, and you might just have a new favorite dessert in your rotation.