š« Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cup Recipe ā The Ultimate Chocolate Loverās Dream!
If you’re the kind of person who believes desserts should be rich, gooey, creamy, and absolutely irresistible, then these Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups are calling your name. This indulgent dessert combines two beloved favoritesāfudgy brownies and velvety cheesecakeāinto a single, portion-controlled treat thatās perfect for parties, date nights, holidays, or satisfying a serious chocolate craving.
Each cup is layered with moist brownie base, a luscious cheesecake center, and topped with all the extras you loveāthink chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, crushed cookies, or even a surprise candy center. Ready to make your new favorite dessert? Letās dive in!
š§ What Are Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups?
Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups are handheld desserts that layer rich, chocolatey brownie batter with smooth cheesecake filling inside a muffin or cupcake liner. The term āloadedā comes from the creative toppings and mix-insālike nuts, candies, or saucesāthat take these little cups over the top. Think of them as the perfect marriage between cheesecake bars and brownie cupcakes, packed with flavor in every bite.
š Ingredients Youāll Need
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings (aka āloadedā options):
- Crushed Oreos
- Mini chocolate chips
- Caramel or fudge drizzle
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Peanut butter cups or M&Ms
- Sea salt flakes
š©āš³ How to Make Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners and lightly spray with non-stick spray. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Stir until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Cups
Spoon about 1 heaping tablespoon of brownie batter into the bottom of each muffin cup. Add a spoonful of cheesecake filling on top. Then add another small dollop of brownie batter. Swirl gently with a toothpick for a marbled look, or keep the layers separated.
Step 5: Load Them Up
Add your favorite toppingsāchocolate chips, nuts, crushed cookies, candies, etc.āfor that āloadedā effect.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 20ā25 minutes, or until the centers are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan, then chill in the fridge for 1 hour before serving for best texture.
š« Why Youāll Love These Cheesecake Brownie Cups
- Portion-controlled yet ultra-rich
- Freezer-friendly for make-ahead treats
- Customizable with endless topping combos
- Perfect for holidays, bake sales, birthdays, or romantic dinners
- A crowd-pleaser that looks gourmet but is easy to make at home
š Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth cheesecake filling.
- Donāt overmix the batter once flour is added to avoid dense brownies.
- Chill before serving for that firm, creamy cheesecake bite.
- For a fudgier texture, underbake slightly and cool completely.
- Experiment with peanut butter, Nutella, or Biscoff swirls for a twist!
š§ Storage & Freezing
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped cups for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
š§ Recipe Variations
- Red Velvet Brownie Cheesecake Cups ā Swap cocoa for red velvet cake mix
- Mint Chocolate Cheesecake Cups ā Add peppermint extract and green food coloring
- Sāmores Brownie Cups ā Top with mini marshmallows, graham crumbs, and Hersheyās chunks
- Peanut Butter Explosion ā Add peanut butter cups and swirl peanut butter into the cheesecake layer
- Cookie Dough Crust ā Use a cookie dough base instead of brownie batter
ā Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a box brownie mix?
Yes! Use your favorite boxed mix to save timeājust reduce the baking time slightly and donāt overfill the cups.
Can I make these in mini muffin pans?
Absolutely. Adjust the baking time to around 12ā15 minutes.
Do I need to bake in a water bath?
Nope! These cups are small enough to bake evenly without a water bath, unlike traditional cheesecakes.
Can I skip the toppings?
Sureābut the āloadedā element is what makes these extra special! Keep it simple or go wild with toppings.
š¬ Final Thoughts
These Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups are more than just a dessertātheyāre a celebration of flavor, texture, and creativity. Perfectly portable, undeniably decadent, and endlessly customizable, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
Whether youāre baking for guests or just treating yourself, these cups deliver BIG indulgence in a small package. Try them once, and youāll be hooked.
š² Share Your Bakes!
Tried this recipe? Post a pic and tag us using #LoadedBrownieCheesecakeCups on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook! We love seeing your chocolatey creations. š«š§