Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

๐Ÿ“ The Story Behind the Recipe

Some desserts feel like a warm hug on a plate, and for me, the Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake is exactly that. One chilly evening, I wanted to combine my two favorite desserts โ€” a rich chocolate brownie and a creamy cheesecake โ€” topped with a decadent hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top. ๐Ÿ’

I started experimenting, layering fudgy brownies with velvety cheesecake and drizzling it with homemade hot fudge. The first slice was magical โ€” warm, chocolatey, creamy, and indulgent, all in one bite. It was exactly the dessert I needed to feel cozy and pampered.

Since that day, this dessert has become a favorite for celebrations, birthdays, or simply indulgent weekends. The combination of brownie, cheesecake, and hot fudge is irresistible, and the dessert can be customized with nuts, chocolate chips, or even caramel drizzle for extra decadence.


๐ŸŒŸ What Makes This Recipe Special?

  • ๐Ÿซ Layered indulgence: Brownie base, creamy cheesecake middle, and hot fudge topping.
  • ๐Ÿง€ Creamy cheesecake: Perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
  • ๐Ÿจ Sundae-style topping: Whipped cream, cherries, and optional nuts for that classic ice cream parlor vibe.
  • ๐Ÿ’• Perfect for gatherings: A showstopper dessert that everyone will love.
  • ๐ŸŒฟ Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or even ice cream for extra indulgence.

This dessert combines texture, flavor, and visual appeal, making it a true crowd-pleaser.


๐Ÿ›’ Ingredients โ€“ Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Brownie Base:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 ยผ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ยผ cups unsweetened cocoa powder ๐Ÿซ
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ยฝ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 24 oz (3 blocks) cream cheese, softened ๐Ÿง€
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ยฝ cup sour cream or heavy cream

For the Hot Fudge Sauce:

  • 1 cup heavy cream ๐Ÿฅ›
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp light corn syrup (optional, adds shine)

Toppings:

  • Whipped cream ๐Ÿจ
  • Maraschino cherries ๐Ÿ’
  • Chopped nuts (optional) ๐Ÿฅœ
  • Ice cream (optional) ๐Ÿฆ

๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Use high-quality chocolate for the brownies and hot fudge for the best flavor.


๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿณ Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the brownie base
In a saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Remove from heat and stir in sugar until smooth. Add cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix in eggs one at a time. Fold in flour and chocolate chips gently.

Step 3: Bake the brownie layer
Pour brownie batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20โ€“25 minutes, until just set (donโ€™t overbake โ€” it will finish cooking under the cheesecake layer).

Step 4: Prepare the cheesecake layer
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, then eggs one at a time, mixing until combined. Stir in vanilla and sour cream/heavy cream.

Step 5: Assemble the dessert
Pour cheesecake mixture over the warm brownie layer, spreading evenly. Bake for 35โ€“40 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Make the hot fudge sauce
In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 7: Serve
Cut chilled cheesecake into squares. Drizzle hot fudge over each piece, top with whipped cream, a cherry, and optional nuts. Serve immediately.

๐Ÿ’ก Extra Tip: Warm the hot fudge just before serving for that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience.


๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions โ€“ What to Pair It With

  • ๐Ÿจ Vanilla ice cream: Complements the richness of the brownie cheesecake.
  • โ˜• Coffee or espresso: Cuts through the sweetness with a bold flavor.
  • ๐Ÿ“ Fresh berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add freshness and color.
  • ๐Ÿฅ„ Dessert platter: Combine with mini brownies or cheesecake bites for parties.

๐Ÿ’ก Pro tip: For a more indulgent sundae effect, layer brownie chunks in a glass, pour cheesecake mixture over it, then drizzle hot fudge for a layered parfait style.


๐ŸŽจ Customization & Variations

  • Nutty Twist: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the brownie layer for crunch. ๐Ÿฅœ
  • Chocolate Lovers: Add chocolate chips to both brownie and cheesecake layers.
  • Caramel Fudge: Drizzle caramel along with hot fudge for a decadent twist. ๐Ÿฎ
  • Mini Cheesecake Bites: Make in muffin tins for individual servings.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich: Layer chilled brownie cheesecake between cookies and freeze. ๐Ÿช

๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Let the dessert sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance the texture and flavor of the cheesecake and fudge.


โ„๏ธ Storing & Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil or plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Hot Fudge: Can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.

๐Ÿงฎ Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving โ€“ Approx.)

  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Protein: 8g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Sugar: 42g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg

Based on 12 servings.


๐Ÿ’ฌ Reader Q&A โ€“ Common Questions

1. Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes โ€” prepare according to package instructions and bake before adding cheesecake layer.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes โ€” it will still taste delicious but slightly less creamy.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely โ€” chill overnight for easier slicing and better flavor.

4. Can I make it in round cake pans?
Yes โ€” 9-inch round pans work; adjust baking time slightly.

5. How to prevent cheesecake cracks?
Donโ€™t overmix batter and avoid sudden temperature changes.

6. Can I use dark chocolate for the fudge?
Yes โ€” adjust sugar if using very dark chocolate to balance sweetness.

7. Can I add alcohol?
Yes โ€” a tablespoon of coffee liqueur or bourbon in hot fudge adds depth of flavor.

8. Can I make mini servings?
Yes โ€” bake in muffin tins for individual brownies with cheesecake tops.

9. Can I substitute the sour cream?
Yes โ€” heavy cream or Greek yogurt works.

10. Can I add fruit toppings?
Yes โ€” strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries work beautifully on top.

11. Can I freeze the whole cake?
Yes โ€” wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

12. Can I make it less sweet?
Yes โ€” reduce sugar in the brownie or cheesecake layers slightly.


๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Final Thoughts

This Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence dessert. ๐Ÿซ๐Ÿจ Layers of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and rich hot fudge create a flavor-packed, show-stopping dessert thatโ€™s perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or cozy weekend treats.

With endless customization options โ€” nuts, caramel, ice cream, or berries โ€” itโ€™s a dessert that everyone will love. Every bite is decadent, comforting, and unforgettable.


๐Ÿฅฐ Tried This Recipe?

Did you make this Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake? ๐Ÿซ๐Ÿจ
Share your creation on Pinterest and tag @MamaCooksDinner โ€” Iโ€™d love to see your delicious dessert!

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