Oreo Cheesecake Brownies

Oreo cheesecake brownies are the kind of decadent dessert that wow everyone at a party but are secretly so easy to make at home. These brownies strike a perfect harmony between fudgy chocolate, tangy cheesecake, and the crunchy goodness of Oreos. Whenever I crave something comforting and over-the-top, this is the recipe I bake up and the tray never lasts more than a day.

I first baked these on a rainy afternoon with my little brother and we both agreed nothing could beat the cookie cheesecake combo. Every time I make them now I remember his chocolate-smeared grin.

Ingredients

• Eggs: Large at room temperature brings moisture and structure to the brownie base Look for eggs with nice intact shells
• Flavorless oil: Such as canola or sunflower helps with moistness and gives a tender crumb Choose oil with a neutral scent
• Water: Helps create a smoother brownie batter Tap water is perfectly fine
• Vanilla extract: Enhances chocolate and cheesecake flavors Use pure vanilla for best results
• All purpose flour: Provides the necessary structure to brownies Select unbleached flour if possible
• Cocoa powder: Dutch processed delivers chocolate flavor and dark color Sift before using to avoid lumps
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both brownie and cheesecake layers Look for fine white sugar for easy blending
• Powdered sugar: Adds a silky texture to the brownie layers Sift to ensure lumps dissolve
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors I like using fine sea salt
• Cream cheese baking chips or white chocolate chips: Add luscious little bursts of creamy tang Choose quality chips for best flavor
• Cream cheese: Full fat and soft spreadable makes the cheesecake layer rich and smooth Tub style is easiest to mix
• Sour cream: Brings a gentle tang and keeps cheesecake creamy Use full fat for best results
• Oreo cookies: Iconic cookies provide crunch and chocolate flavor Use standard filling Oreos and crush with your hands

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pan and Oven:

Line an eight inch square baking pan with parchment paper let it overhang slightly so you can lift brownies out later Preheat your oven to three hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred sixty five Celsius

Mix the Wet Ingredients:

Whisk eggs oil water and vanilla together in a large bowl until completely blended and slightly frothy This step ensures a smooth fudgy base and takes about one minute

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

Sift flour cocoa powder granulated sugar powdered sugar and salt directly into the wet mixture Sifting aerates the mixture and removes lumps

Blend Brownie Batter:

Gently fold the dry and wet ingredients together using a spatula mixing just until combined The batter will be thick glossy and rich

Add the Cream Cheese Chips:

Stir in cream cheese baking chips or white chocolate chips making sure they are evenly spread throughout the batter

Fill the Pan:

Pour the brownie batter into the lined pan and spread it evenly into all corners for a level base This helps the cheesecake layer sit on top without sinking

Mix Cheesecake Layer:

In a clean bowl whisk cream cheese and sugar together thoroughly until smooth and creamy Add vanilla and egg whisking again then blend in the sour cream until silky

Add Oreos:

Crush about six Oreos cookies and filling both and stir into the cheesecake batter to distribute cookies throughout

Layer the Cheesecake:

Pour the cheesecake mixture gently over the brownie base in the pan Use a spatula to smooth the top

Top with More Oreos:

Crumble the remaining Oreos over the top of the cheesecake layer Press them in very slightly with your fingers

Bake:

Transfer the pan to the center of your preheated oven and bake for about thirty five to forty minutes until the cheesecake looks set but still jiggles just a little in the center

Cool and Chill:

Let brownies cool in the pan to room temperature first Then chill for at least four hours before slicing This is crucial for clean cuts and best texture

Save

My favorite part of this treat is the crushed Oreos in the cheesecake swirl The way they soften yet stay slightly crunchy is just heavenly My family always fights for the brownie squares with the most cookie pieces on top and those go first at every gathering

Storage Tips

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge and they will be delicious for up to five days For longer storage slices can be wrapped well and frozen for up to three months just thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

White chocolate chips can be swapped for cream cheese chips if you cannot find them For a gluten free version use a one to one gluten free flour blend and gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies

Serving Suggestions

These brownies are rich enough to serve solo but I love topping them with a scoop of vanilla or cookies and cream ice cream on summer days You can drizzle with a little chocolate sauce or even add fresh strawberries for a fancy occasion

Save

Cultural and Historical Context

Oreo brownies became popular in the United States as people began combining nostalgic childhood favorites into new creative desserts The cookies and cream flavor profile taps into the beloved tradition of milk and cookies lets be honest no one ever outgrows that simple joy

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to create a fudgy brownie base?

Using a balanced ratio of oil and eggs while avoiding overmixing helps keep the brownie dense and fudgy. Incorporating cream cheese baking chips adds moistness and richness.

→ How can I ensure the cheesecake layer is smooth and creamy?

Whisk the cream cheese and sugar thoroughly before adding eggs and sour cream. Use room temperature ingredients for easier blending and a silky texture.

→ Why should I chill the brownies after baking?

Chilling allows the cheesecake layer to fully set and flavors to meld, making the brownies easier to cut and enhancing the texture.

→ Can I substitute spreadable cream cheese with block cream cheese?

Yes, but soften it beforehand for easier mixing. This helps achieve the same smooth consistency in the cheesecake layer.

→ How do the Oreo pieces affect the texture?

They add a pleasant crunch and a balancing hint of sweetness that contrasts the creamy cheesecake and dense brownie layers.