Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup high-quality cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
- 1 large egg (for cheesecake layer)
- 20–24 Oreo cookies, kept whole
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional for extra fudginess)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 2 cups of sugar until well combined. Add 4 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix, as this ensures the brownie stays chewy and fudgy.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the remaining egg and whisk until the mixture is completely incorporated and free of lumps. If you want a more decorative look, you can add a drop of vanilla to this mixture as well.
- Spread about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly to the corners. Place a single layer of Oreo cookies on top of the batter, pressing them down slightly. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the Oreo layer, smoothing it out with a spatula. Finally, drop dollops of the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the top brownie batter into the cheesecake for a marbled effect.
- Place the pan in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still have a slight jiggle to ensure a fudgy texture. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 2 hours. For the cleanest cuts, refrigerate the bars for an additional hour before slicing. This allows the cheesecake layer to firm up perfectly.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes