Bake or Break
New to BAKE or BREAK? Start Here!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust

This Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust combines a chewy brownie base with rich, creamy cheesecake to create a supremely decadent dessert!

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust on plate with chocolate sauce

Easy Brownie Bottom Cheesecake With Boxed Brownie Mix

Sometimes you want two desserts. We’ve all been there. You’re asked if you’d like a brownie or a slice of cheesecake, and it feels a bit awkward just to say “yes” and grab both, but if it were socially acceptable, that’s exactly what you’d do. If you can identify with that, then this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust is for you.

It all starts with a fudgy brownie, which serves as the crust. Then, that’s topped off with a simple no-bake cheesecake packed with plenty of chocolate chips. See? You get brownies AND cheesecake! Win-win!

You can use any brownie you like for the crust. For a shortcut to an already simple dessert, I use a boxed brownie mix, but if you want a from-scratch option, use your go-to recipe for an 8-inch square pan of brownies. My Favorite Fudgy Brownies would work wonderfully.

This is one of my favorite quick-to-make desserts. It’s so simple to put together, and with that bit of chill time, it’s a great make-ahead dessert, too. 

(If you have a weakness for cheesecake, be sure to try my Cheesecake-Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies, No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake Pie, and Individual Berry Cheesecake Trifles! You can also make Brownie Bottom Mini Cheesecakes for a bite-sized version.)

Side view of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust on cake stand

What Is the Secret to Making Good Cheesecake?

There are a few things to know about making cheesecake. First, you need to use full-fat cream cheese. Reduced-fat cream cheese just doesn’t work as well. The texture is not as smooth and creamy, nor is the flavor as rich.

Second, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. Cold cream cheese can be difficult to mix into a smooth batter, and you don’t want lumpy bits of cream cheese in your cake!

Luckily, the cheesecake topping in this recipe is a no-bake cheesecake, which means a lot of the common issues with a baked cheesecake, like cracking, aren’t a problem here. 

Overhead view of ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

  • Brownie mix – You’ll also need any ingredients called for in the instructions on the box.
  • Cream cheese – Use the full-fat variety that comes in blocks, not a tub.
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream
  • Mini chocolate chips

Can I Use Regular Chocolate Chips Instead of Mini?

I prefer mini chocolate chips in this recipe because they disperse more evenly throughout the cheesecake batter and the smaller size is more pleasant to eat in a chilled dessert. (Regular chocolate chips will be quite hard!)

If you have full-size chocolate chips on hand and you want to use them in this recipe, I recommend roughly chopping them first.

Whole Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust on white cake stand

How to Make Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust

Although this looks like an elaborate, over-the-top dessert, it’s delightfully easy to make! Here’s what you’ll need to do.

Prepare. Preheat your oven to 325°F, then lightly grease a 9-inch round springform pan.

Make the brownie batter. Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the package. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly.

Brownie batter in springform pan

Bake the crust. Place the pan in the oven and bake according to the package directions, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.

Cool. Set the pan on a wire rack and let the brownie cool completely before moving onto the next step of the recipe.

Start the cheesecake batter. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the cream cheese and sugar until the mixture is smooth. Beat in the vanilla.

Overhead view of whipped cream in mixing bowl

Whip the cream. In a separate bowl, use the whisk attachment on your mixer to beat the cream on medium-high speed, until soft to medium peaks form.

Finish the cheesecake batter. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture just until combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Chill. Pour the filling over the brownie crust and spread it evenly. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Overhead view of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake in springform pan

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to make sure this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust turns out perfect!

  • Using a homemade brownie recipe for the crust. If you’re using a from-scratch recipe for the crust, make sure it’s for an 8-inch square pan. Some brownie recipes are meant for a 9×13 pan, which will be more than you need!
  • Don’t rush it. Let the brownie cool completely before adding the cheesecake filling. If it’s even a little bit warm, it has the potential to deflate your light, fluffy cheesecake filling.
  • Getting perfect, clean slices. Use a large, sharp knife to cut the chilled cheesecake and wipe the knife clean between each cut for clean, clearly-defined layers.

Serving Suggestions

You can top this Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, as I did here, or scatter additional mini chocolate chips over the top. Fresh strawberries or raspberries are also delicious with this cheesecake!

Overhead view of whole sliced Chocolate Chip Cheesecake

How to Store

This cheesecake will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap it tightly, or transfer smaller amounts of leftovers to an airtight container.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep for 2 to 3 months.

To thaw, place the frozen cheesecake in the fridge overnight.

Slice of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake on plate with whipped cream and chocolate sauce

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust

Yield 10 to 12 servings
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes

Fudgy brownies and an easy no-bake cheesecake combine for a simple, delicious dessert.

Slice of Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust on plate with chocolate sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 package brownie mix, prepared as directed*
  • 16 ounces (454g) cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (177ml) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (177g) mini chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a 9-inch round springform pan.
  2. Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the package. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  3. Bake according to the package directions, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  4. Place the pan on a wire rack and allow the brownie to cool completely in the pan.
  5. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and sugar until blended and smooth. Mix in the vanilla.
  6. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cream at medium-high speed until soft to medium peaks form.
  7. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.
  8. Transfer the filling to the cooled crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Notes

*You can use any brownie recipe or mix that uses an 8-inch square pan.

Recommended Products

Bake or Break is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Show off your baking masterpiece!

Snap a pic, tag @bakeorbreak, and use #bakeorbreak on Instagram. Can't wait to see your creation!

Share this:

    72 Comments on “Chocolate Chip Cheesecake with Brownie Crust”

  1. The brownie crust looks great with this. Simple and delicious!

  2. What a gorgeous dessert! This would be a perfect dessert for the holidays.

  3. Two desserts is always better! This looks in an incredible dessert!

  4. This chocolate chip cheesecake looks amazing! 🙂

  5. This looks FANTASTIC! Wow. Such a treat!

  6. I am going to eat this whole dessert myself, it looks so good!

  7. It is 11.06 in the morning, and I’m drooling over cheesecake. Life is grand!

  8. What a fantastic dessert. Totally drooling over the crust.

  9. The only brownie bottom cheesecakes I have made are baked together. Loving this version with a no bake cheesecake on top! Especially because the chocolate chips did not sink they way they do when I bake it.

  10. Oh yum! I would so love a bite of that! Pinned!

  11. Why choose one desert when you can have two 🙂

  12. This is awesome!! Brownie and cheesecake, best of both worlds!!!

    Katie xoxo

  13. Brownies + anything is an automatic winner for me. THIS looks incredible!

  14. Oh my god – I thought that was just me. I can NEVER decide what dessert to have.
    This cheesecake looks incredible. Im gathering ideas for the dessert I want to make for Christmas and this is definitely going on the list!! L x

  15. I am loving the dual layers of this cake. It looks amazing!

  16. Brownies and chocolate chips and cheesecake, oh my! This looks delightfully decadent and delicious! I can’t wait for a special occasion to try out for myself.

  17. What kind of batter would you recommend to replace the mix (I don’t buy those)? Any good brownie recipe, a slightly dry one? Looks absolutely delicious 🙂

  18. I can never choose between one or another dessert…so yes, I’m the girl who has BOTH. Always. But I love this two-in-one deal!

  19. I am making this for thanksgiving, but instead of chocolate chips i am adding oreos!

  20. I’m making this for thanksgiving too. How long would it keep in the fridge?

  21. The only thing that would make this more festive would be to crush the red and white peppermint candies and sprinkle in tip! Omg can’t wait to try it!!! Maybe for Thanksgiving I’ll break up some snickers bars! Oh boy, this is gonna be bad!!!!

  22. I made this tonight. I will let everyone know how it turns out. I have never made a cheese cake that did not need to be baked. The brownies smelled so good baking 🙂

  23. I used my own brownie mix for this and it turned out extremely well.

  24. Milk chocolate or semi sweet for the chips?

  25. Looks so good! When you say “Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.” Do you mean the heavy cream or actual whipped cream? Just want to make sure!

  26. Do you make the brownie mix as you would on the package or just mix in with the water, oil and egg?

  27. Is the heavy cream this calls for the liquid kind? Not actual cool whip? Hoping I did this correct..

  28. Made this for a company dinner tonite and it was a hit! Such a good duo of desserts in one! Want to make one again and keep. Can this be frozen?

  29. Hey there! This looks lovely! But in my town they don’t sell brownie mix! Do you know anything else I can do?

  30. Hi Jennifer. This Cheesecake looks delicious. Can I know if I can substitute the heavy cream with whipping cream. It’s kind of difficult to get heavy cream here. Thank you.

  31. Do you make it in an 8″ square pan or a round pan?

  32. The picture of this cheesecake brownie had me drooling for weeks. I finally decided to try it and when I looked at the recipe and saw that the cheesecake was a no bake recipe I was very skeptical. Because I like firm cheesecakes. But I decided to give it a try since it looks so good. I do bake pretty regularly, so I know I didn’t mess up the recipe. But it was such a disappointment. I feel like I wasted all those ingredients, I’m sorry. I actually used the brownie recipe from scratch that she has here,The fudge brownie recipe. And it was exactly THAT, very fudge like not flaky like a brownie. I was not a fan of that. But also, my fear of the cheesecake being too mushy was correct. It doesn’t taste BAD. it has a good flavor, just not the texture I wanted. I will be making my own version of this using a brownie recipe that is more like a brownie less like fudge, and a cheesecake that needs to be baked. I see a good number of people liked it, it’s just not for me. But I’m glad I tried it since I was obsessing over it thanks!

  33. I made this and cannot get it to set! It’s been in the fridge for over 12 hours…
    I need it for a party tonight. Any suggestions?

  34. Can this desert be make up a few days ahead of time and frozen?

  35. I plan on making this dessert for Thanksgiving. It looks fantastic and I hope it turns out good! I just have a quick question. For the heavy whipping cream, could I just use “cool whip” from the freezer section? Or do you really recommend that I stick to the heavy cream? Thank you!

  36. I have made this using the Candy Bar Icing on top of my brownie and it was delicious!
    CANDY BAR ICING
    1 – 8 oz bar Cream Cheese (I am going to try with 2 bars next time)
    1 cup Confectioners Sugar
    8 – 12 oz Cool Whip
    1 cup chopped Hershey’s Chocolate Bar or Chips

  37. This sounds so delicious! Love this idea!

  38. UNBelievable!!this is absolutely perfect, thanks very much for the recipe and the idea of combining brownies and cheesecake! 👍

  39. So I made it and it was awesome! But it wasn’t very cohesive.. Like the cheesecake didn’t stick to the brownie.. It chilled for over 24 hours as well… Any suggestions on what I did wrong?

  40. This cheesecake was good however the brownie crust stuck to the pan and was difficult to cut. Need to lightly grease the pan

  41. Do I release it from the spring form after it sets or before I put the cheese/cream topping on the brownie?

  42. I made this and it’s better the 2nd & 3rd day. Your pistachio cranberry cookies recipe is great, too! Both were a hit.

  43. i am confused with step #5 & 6 ???

  44. Best thing ever. So delicious. Made for my own birthday in July and just made again for my mother’s birthday. You won’t be disappointed with this recipe! Thank you!

  45. Epic failire. I used all the correct ingredients and a spring form pan. I baked the brownie for 45 minutes and it became a slab of concrete. Cheesecake did not set at all and it was in the fridge for hours. Don’t waste your time or money on this. 

  46. I’m gaining weight just looking and reading about this! Sounds awesome!!!

  47. Tried this recipe for a trial run before making it for a baby shower for my niece, who is gluten intolerant. Used a King Arthur’s Gluten Free Brownie mix. This cheesecake was perfect! Husband loved it, and I will definitely be using this recipe for the shower! Thanks for sharing!!!!

  48. Jennifer, this brownie cheesecake was a huge hit with our group of friends. I bake two desserts a month to celebrate birthdays for those in our group. Since there were none in the month of September, I got to choose whatever I decided to make. So, I chose this one from an email I received from you. Not only was it very easy, but it was delicious. Now onto next month to see what I can do. Thanks for sharing your recipes. Rosemary

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *