These decadent Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Dessert Cups combine fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake topping, crowned with a delightful array of sweet toppings. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or whenever you need a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownie cheesecake cups offer the perfect balance of rich chocolate brownie and smooth, tangy cheesecake in one irresistible bite. The contrasting textures—from the dense brownie base to the light, airy cheesecake topping—create a mouthwatering experience. They’re individually portioned for easy serving and customization, allowing each person to enjoy their own perfect dessert. Plus, they look impressively gourmet despite being remarkably simple to prepare, making them ideal for both casual family treats and elegant dinner parties.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brownie mix provides a convenient and foolproof foundation for these dessert cups. Using a boxed mix ensures consistent results and saves significant preparation time, while still delivering that rich, fudgy chocolate base everyone loves.
Cream cheese creates the tangy, velvety cheesecake layer that contrasts beautifully with the sweet brownie base. For best results, make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture.
Powdered sugar sweetens the cheesecake layer while maintaining a silky texture. Its fine consistency dissolves completely into the cream cheese, avoiding the grittiness that might occur with granulated sugar.
Vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the cheesecake layer, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
Whipped topping lightens the cheesecake mixture, creating an airy, mousse-like texture that perfectly complements the dense brownie base. It also helps stabilize the cheesecake layer.
Mini chocolate chips add bursts of chocolate flavor and a slight textural contrast to each bite. Their small size distributes evenly throughout the topping for consistent chocolate flavor.
Crushed Oreos provide a delightful crunch and another dimension of chocolate flavor. The cookie pieces also add visual appeal to the finished dessert.
Caramel sauce introduces a buttery sweetness that complements both the chocolate and cream cheese flavors. Even as an optional ingredient, it adds a gorgeous finishing touch with its golden drizzle.
Fresh whipped cream creates the perfect cloud-like finishing touch, adding lightness and a subtle sweetness that balances the rich components beneath it.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare brownie mix according to the package instructions and bake in cupcake liners or a muffin tin for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
- While the brownies are cooling, in a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined.
- Once the brownies have cooled, top each brownie with a spoonful of the cheesecake mixture.
- Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and crushed Oreos on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired.
- Top with fresh whipped cream and serve chilled.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 12 delicious brownie cheesecake cups. Preparation takes just 10 minutes, with an additional 20 minutes of baking time, bringing the total time to 30 minutes (plus cooling time). Each serving contains approximately 350 calories. These treats are perfect for gatherings as they can be made ahead and look impressively decadent despite their simple preparation.
Variations
Berry Delight: Replace the chocolate chips and Oreos with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
Mint Chocolate: Add 1/4 teaspoon of mint extract to the cheesecake mixture and use mint Oreos for a refreshing mint chocolate version.
Peanut Butter Lover’s: Swirl 2 tablespoons of warm peanut butter into the cheesecake layer and top with crushed peanut butter cups instead of Oreos.
Coffee Infused: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha-flavored base.
Turtle Style: Use crushed pecans instead of Oreos and make sure to include the caramel drizzle for a classic turtle flavor combination.
Storage/Reheating
These brownie cheesecake cups can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture and flavor, add the fresh whipped cream topping just before serving.
If you wish to make them further in advance, you can freeze the cups without the whipped cream topping for up to 1 month. To freeze, place the cups on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
These dessert cups are best enjoyed cold and don’t require reheating. In fact, reheating would melt the cheesecake topping, so it’s best to serve them directly from the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I make these brownie cheesecake cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these cups up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container, but wait to add the fresh whipped cream until just before serving for the best presentation and texture.
What if I don’t have a boxed brownie mix?
You can certainly use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead. Just make sure it yields enough batter for 12 cupcake-sized brownies. A fudgy brownie recipe works best as a base for these cups.
Can I make these dessert cups without cupcake liners?
Yes, but be sure to thoroughly grease the muffin tin to prevent sticking. Using liners makes for easier serving and cleanup, but it’s not absolutely necessary if you don’t have them on hand.
Is there a way to make these cups less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar in the cheesecake layer to 2-3 tablespoons instead of 1/4 cup. You might also choose a dark chocolate brownie mix and semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for less sweetness.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with something else?
Yes, you can use freshly whipped heavy cream as a substitute. Whip about 3/4 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
What’s the best way to drizzle caramel sauce neatly?
Put the caramel sauce in a small ziplock bag, snip off a tiny corner, and use it as a piping bag for clean, precise drizzles. Alternatively, warm the sauce slightly and use a spoon to drizzle from a height.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure your cookies (or skip them) and other toppings are gluten-free. Many brands now offer gluten-free Oreo alternatives.
What if my cream cheese mixture is lumpy?
This usually happens when the cream cheese isn’t soft enough. Ensure it’s at room temperature before mixing. If you still have lumps, try warming the mixture slightly over a double boiler while stirring until smooth.
Can I use different cookies instead of Oreos?
Absolutely! Graham crackers, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread, or even gingersnaps would work well as alternative toppings. Choose cookies that complement the chocolate and cheesecake flavors.
How can I tell when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of a brownie cup. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the brownies dry.
Conclusion
These Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Dessert Cups represent the perfect marriage of convenience and indulgence. By combining the familiar comfort of brownies with the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake, this recipe delivers a dessert that feels special without requiring advanced baking skills. The individual portions make them perfect for entertaining, while the variety of textures and flavors ensures each bite is interesting and satisfying. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it with your favorite toppings, these dessert cups are sure to become a requested favorite for gatherings and special occasions. With their make-ahead convenience and impressive presentation, they’ll quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Print
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Dessert Cups are an indulgent treat combining rich brownies, creamy cheesecake topping, and decadent garnishes like chocolate chips, Oreos, and caramel sauce.
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whipped topping
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips
1/4 cup crushed Oreos (or other cookies)
1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional)
Fresh whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare brownie mix according to the package instructions and bake in cupcake liners or a muffin tin for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let them cool completely.
- While the brownies are cooling, in a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined.
- Once the brownies have cooled, top each brownie with a spoonful of the cheesecake mixture.
- Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips and crushed Oreos on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce, if desired.
- Top with fresh whipped cream and serve chilled.
Notes
Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before topping with the cheesecake mixture to avoid melting.
The caramel sauce is optional but adds an extra layer of decadence.
You can substitute crushed Oreos with any other crushed cookies for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dessert cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
