Oreo Brownie Cheesecake

This Oreo Brownie Cheesecake is decadent with a thick layer of chocolate brownie topped with a creamy layer of cheesecake and studded with Oreos. This dessert goes a long way and can feed a lot of people. I’ve included step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the process along with tips and tricks to ensure that it comes out just right.

In this recipe, both the brownie layer and the cheesecake layer are made from scratch, not a box mix. While box mixes can save you time and simplify things, the result often tastes flat. Here, the rich, milk chocolate brownies pair well with the sweet and creamy vanilla cheesecake. The contrasting flavors together along with the crunch from the Oreo make this so satisfying.

It is one of my favorite desserts, and I love to make it for friends and family. For a single-layer dessert, check out this Simple Flourless Chocolate Cake, or for a classic brownie this Double Fudge Brownie Recipe. It comes together super quickly and is great for a night in, or hosting friends or family. I also love this Cookie and Cream Pizookie With Oreos - great to serve warm with ice cream. Or for another fun mashup, these Oreo Brookies. For a decadent, but easy-to-make dessert, check out this Cheesecake made without a springform pan, Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake, or this Loaf Pan Basque Cheesecake. Both are made without a bottom crust or water bath.

Cheesecake Made with Heavy Cream vs. Sour Cream

Some cheesecake recipes use heavy cream and others use sour cream. Before setting off to make this recipe for Oreo Cheesecake Brownies, I wanted to be sure I was using the best version of cheesecake.

I compared two simple cheesecakes with a graham cracker crust: one made with heavy cream and one made with sour cream. While both were good, the cheesecake made with heavy cream had a much better, creamier texture. It was silkier and smoother, and to me, it also tasted better. So, I choose to use heavy cream rather than sour cream for the cheesecake portion of this Oreo Cheesecake Brownie recipe.

Oreo Brownie Cheesecake Ingredients:

Below are the ingredients needed to make the brownie layer of the Brownie Oreo Cheesecake:

• Milk Chocolate Chips: choose high quality like Ghirardelli or Guittard. They are easier to melt and they taste better. I prefer milk chocolate over bittersweet chocolate in this recipe for a milk chocolate brownie.
• Butter: I use salted butter.
• Granulated sugar: for sweetness.
• Eggs and egg yolk: keeps the ingredients together and adds richness.
• High-quality cocoa powder: choose high-quality cocoa powder if possible, like Guittard or Ghirardelli.
• Flour: use all-purpose unbleached flour.
• Vanilla extract: to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Salt: to bring out the chocolate flavor, and balance sweetness.
• Oreos: it wouldn’t be an Oreo cheesecake brownie without it!

Below are the ingredients needed to make the cheesecake layer of the Oreo Cheesecake Brownies.

• Granulated sugar: for sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: use full-fat cream cheese bars, not whipped cream cheese. Measurements in ounces are marked on the package (just like tablespoons with butter).
• Salt: brings out flavor, and balances sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: use real vanilla extract.
• Eggs: for richness.
• Heavy cream: use heavy whipping cream.
• Flour: enhances texture.
• Oreos: Oreos are added in both layers.

How to Make Oreo Cheesecake Brownies

Below are the step-by-step instructions and photos for how to make Oreo Brownie Cheesecake.

Brownie Layer:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour an 8x8 aluminum pan (or use cocoa powder to "flour" the pan), or line with parchment paper, then butter and flour the pan.

Step 2. In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and milk chocolate chips. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for 30 seconds at a time until the butter and chocolate are melted. Allow to cool for two minutes.

Step 3. Add the sugar and stir to combine.

Step 4. Add the eggs and egg yolk and combine.

Step 5. Add the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and salt, and combine. Add in the Oreo pieces and gently mix to combine.

Step 6. Spread the batter into the 8x8 pan and bake for 10 minutes. Remove.

Cheesecake Layer:

Step 1. In a large mixing bowl add the sugar and cream cheese. Beat on medium speed (2 out of 3 on a 3-speed hand mixer) for 5 minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 2. Add the salt, and vanilla, and combine.

Step 3. And eggs one at a time, and beat to combine.

Step 4. Add the heavy cream and use a whisk to combine.

Step 5. Using a small fine mesh strainer, sift in the flour. Stir gently to combine.

Step 6. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownies. Add the remaining broken Oreos.

Step 7. Bake for 32-35 minutes until just slightly browned at the edges.

Tips and Tricks

• Real Ingredients: Using real ingredients, rather than a box mix gives a deeper richer flavor.
• Preparing the Pan: If bringing these to friends or family, butter the pan (this allows the paper to stick), line it with parchment paper, then butter and flour it (or use cocoa powder). This makes it easier to lift the dessert out of the pan and evenly cut it into squares.
• High-Quality Chocolate: To make really good brownies, use really good chocolate. I use either Ghirardelli or Guittard chocolate chips and cocoa powder. It is more expensive but tastes infinitely better. The chocolate chips also melt way better than standard chocolate chips.
• Adding Oreos: Oreos are added to both the chocolate brownie layer and the cheesecake layer. However, you can tailor this to your preferences. You can add the Oreos to just one or both of the layers.
• Keeping the Layers Separate: Baking the brownie layer first in the oven ensures that the brownie and cheesecake layer do not mix in the oven.
• Cheesecake with Heavy Cream: Using heavy cream instead of sour cream in the cheesecake layer results in a creamier, more satisfying texture and taste. Adding a small amount of sifted flour also improves the texture, but don’t fret if you forget this step. It will still taste great.
• Allow to Cool: Allow the Oreo Brownie Cheesecake to cool fully before cutting. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Oreo Brownie Cheesecake FAQs:

If you make these Oreo Cheesecake Brownies, I'd love to hear from you and learn how it went. Leave a rating and a comment down below and let me know how it turns out. Your feedback means a lot!