Description
Delight in these indulgent Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Dessert Cups featuring a rich brownie base topped with creamy cheesecake, sprinkled with mini chocolate chips and nuts, and drizzled with caramel sauce for the perfect party-sized treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box, usually oil, eggs, and water)
Cheesecake Topping
- 1 1/2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Brownie Base: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix package, combining the brownie mix with oil, eggs, and water as indicated. Evenly pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about halfway. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow brownies to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the vanilla extract, eggs, and sour cream, then mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Top Brownies with Cheesecake Mixture: Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling over each cooled brownie cup, filling them about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake Cheesecake Layer: Return the muffin tin to the oven and bake for another 18-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden on top. Once baked, let the dessert cups cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve: Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over each dessert cup, sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and chopped nuts if using, and optionally top with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before adding the cheesecake mixture to prevent the cheesecake layer from melting or mixing with the brownie layer.
- For a nut-free version, omit the chopped nuts and consider using additional mini chocolate chips as a topping.
- Make ahead tip: These dessert cups can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated to enhance flavor development.
- To serve, they can be left at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
