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St. Patrick's Day Cheesecake Brownies

St. Patrick's Day Cheesecake Brownies

A delightful fusion of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese, perfect for festive celebrations. This recipe offers a simple yet impressive dessert that's sure to be a hit, making your St. Patrick's Day baking both easy and dazzling.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 24 squares
Course: Dessert

Ingredients
  

Brownie Layer
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-processed
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips plus more for topping, optional
Cheesecake Layer
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • green food coloring gel or liquid, adjust for desired shade
Optional Toppings
  • Chocolate ganache
  • Whipped cream
  • Green sprinkles or shamrock candies

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Large Bowl
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • - Knife
  • Toothpick
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. This will ensure your brownies come out cleanly.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined.
    1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar
  3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
    1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  6. Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Reserve the remaining batter.
  7. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
    2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  8. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
    1 large egg, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  9. Add green food coloring, starting with a few drops and adding more until you achieve your desired St. Patrick's Day shade of green. Mix until the color is uniform.
    green food coloring
  10. Spoon dollops of the green cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan.
  11. Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake dollops. Using a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the brownie batter into the cheesecake mixture to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct layers.
  12. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (not wet batter). The cheesecake layer should be set but may jiggle slightly.
  13. Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours. This is crucial for them to set properly. For cleaner cuts, you can chill them in the refrigerator for another hour after they've cooled at room temperature.
  14. Once completely cooled and set, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Add optional toppings like chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or festive sprinkles if desired.
    Chocolate ganache, Whipped cream, Green sprinkles or shamrock candies

Notes

Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Can be frozen for 2-3 months.
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