In my younger years, I was a big fan of those little cookie shops in the mall. While others went for the giant cookies and even those double doozies, I was much more likely to go for the cheesecake brownies. It’s hard to say no to a combination of cheesecake and chocolate.
The title of this recipe from Martha Stewart brought back memories of those brownies. However, I feel certain that those brownies of my youth were not made with mascarpone cheese. That one ingredient turned the recipe into a must-bake.
Not surprisingly, these brownies were delicious. While you can certainly substitute cream cheese, I recommend using mascarpone if possible. And, of course, use good chocolate. If any of you make these using cream cheese, please let me know how they are.
We liked these brownies very much. The mascarpone makes them just a bit different than the usual cheesecake brownies. The brownie is delicious on its own, but topping it off with that cheesecake layer is very nearly perfect. Definitely better than any I’ve ever had in a mall.
Similar tastes and recipes:
- Chocolate Mascarpone Brownies
- Chocolate Chess Squares
- Black and White Cupcakes
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars
Related posts:
July 17th, 2008 at 7:32 am
Yum! Two of my favorite things rolled into one.. cheesecake and brownies!
They look really moist and fudgy! Yum. I’m definitely printing this recipe out… but I think I’ll try it with the cream cheese.
July 17th, 2008 at 9:12 am
They look good enough to eat! I love cheesecake and chocolate!
July 17th, 2008 at 10:15 am
if they offered something like this at my local mall, i’d never leave. perfection.
July 17th, 2008 at 11:09 am
These look yummy! Not too many things make chcolate better but cream cheese comes close! Should you ever need a taster please remember me!!
July 17th, 2008 at 11:51 am
So, do you ship? I sure could use some chocolate right about now.
July 17th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
These do look so good and better yet it has chocolate and cream cheese in it.YUM!
July 17th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
This is the kind of square that would have caught my attention in a flash too. The only problem is that when you eat it, it’s gone and then you want more.
July 17th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Every time your blog pops up in my Google Reader, I get homesick. Your photos are hunger pang inducing and the recipes are right there with them!
July 17th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Brownies and cheesecake…mmm…
July 17th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Amy, let me know how the cream cheese version works.
gingela5, so do I!
grace, me and you both.
Cindy, you’re on the list!
Elle, I wish I could send you some of these. Yum!
Thanks, Nicole!
giz, luckily it makes a great big pan full.
Thanks, Kat! How very sweet!
Kevin, that “mmm” sums it all up. That could have been my entire post.
July 18th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Those look like Heaven in a pan…
July 19th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Way better than the “mall cookie!” This would be your grown-up, sophisticated brownie. Thanks for making these for us!!
July 19th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Too bad you didn’t work yesterday, those look WONDERFUL! I think I might just try to make some myself this weekend
July 19th, 2008 at 11:29 am
You’re my hero for baking in the summer. How can you bear turning on the oven in July? My flour and sugar containers collect dust from June to August and I can only be persuaded to bake if it’s a special occasion or birthday.
July 19th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Mascarpone must really put these over the top! They look absolutely wonderful!
July 20th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
I’ve only once had a cheesecake brownie and loved it. I’ve never got around to making them although I really should! Perhaps a peanut butter cheesecake brownie…
The mascarpone cheese gives it a very different look, almost like more of a custard on top. I would probably try it with cream cheese, I’ll let you know if I do!
July 20th, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Save one..or two…for me!
July 20th, 2008 at 11:47 pm
Whoaaa these look great! Maybe make them a little more Italian (because there’s mascarpone in them
and stir in a little bit of espresso into the brownie batter. I might try this if I make them….
July 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
Oooh these look interesting! I’ve only ever made chocolate cheesecake brownies with cream-cheese before, so this certainly looks like something I’d try – is the top layer just cheese or is there somehting mixed in with it? The brownie layer underneath looks heavenly, I’m really craving a piece!!!
July 21st, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Thanks, SarahHub
Glad y’all liked them, Nan.
Courtney, hope you like them!
Constance, I am a big fan of air conditioning. That’s how things get baked in my house.
Thanks, Helen!
Nick, how did I know you’d want some peanut butter in these?
JEP, I’m sorry to say that they’re all gone!
Patti, I’m not a huge coffee flavor fan but I think you’re on to something. Let me know how that works if you try it.
Emily, click the recipe link. There’s sugar, eggs, and vanilla mixed with the mascarpone. Yum!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:04 am
I will always go for the cheesecake brownies when given a choice. It’s like the best of both worlds, isn’t it? Fudgy brownie plus cheesecake–you can’t go wrong!
July 25th, 2008 at 6:39 pm
Elle, I agree!
July 25th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
I love cheesecake brownies – this sounds like a perfect recipe!
July 26th, 2008 at 12:08 am
Wow…just wow.
July 26th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
kimberleyblue, you should give them a try!
Sara, I couldn’t have said it better myself. So very good.
July 27th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Martha rocks! These brownies look amazing.
July 28th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I’m a fan of cheesecake layers on top of anything. Yet another brownie recipe I must try!
July 28th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Dragon, Martha does indeed rock!
RecipeGirl, let me know what you think if you try them.
July 28th, 2008 at 11:10 am
these look yummy. I m a chocoholic so anything with chocolate is great
great photos too.
July 29th, 2008 at 1:59 pm
Ohhhhhhhhhhhh….
*nothing else to say*
July 29th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Thanks, snooky doodle!
Indigo, I get your message!
July 30th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
YUM! These look great! I tend to get bored with brownies, but this is a great way to make them exciting!
July 30th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
Brownies are always good.
This recepie makes them move up a few notches
July 31st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Those look scrumptious! I’d make some, but boy, would I be in so much trouble. I think I’ll wait till September, and then make them and bring them in to school first thing in the morning so the other teachers can pack it on too!
You’re photos are so beautiful, by the way.
July 31st, 2008 at 8:19 pm
Oh my goodness. I’m salivating just looking at these pics! I especially love how the mascarpone turned a little golden on top…beautiful!
thanks for a great post, as usual!
August 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Haley, I tend to gravitate toward dressed-up brownies. These definitely qualify.
papouz12, I agree.
Thanks, Meryl! These are certainly good for sharing.
Thanks, City Sage! That browning is inevitable, I suppose, but it adds some character.
August 4th, 2008 at 1:23 am
oh my! This recipe combines the two most delicious things on earth! Looks amazing….so hungry…..
August 4th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Thanks, caked crusader!
August 6th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Looks great, great combination .Mascarpone is a wonderful cheese for baking and also savory dishes, but I prefer in desserts. ha..never mind is my sweet tooth talking
August 6th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Sylvia, I think all my teeth have turned into sweet ones.
August 11th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Uh oh… When I saw these puppies I knew I was in trouble… now having read your recipe and printed it off, I cannot escape making them! wow
August 12th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Sam, let me know how you like them!
December 7th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I just stumbled upon your site. My hips dislike you greatly. But my eyes and soon to be my belly are in love with you!
My very first job was at THAT cookie store in the mall! Those were good days! (17 or so years ago). The cheesecake brownie- YUMMIE!