Decadent Brownie Swirl Cheesecake

 Recipe provided courtesy of Taste of Home magazine.  Fine more great recipes at

www.tasteofhome.com

It may look fancy, but this cheesecake is so simple.  The secret is the speedy crust – it’s from a packaged brownie mix!  You don’t need to be an experienced cook to make the elegant chocolate swirls on top – anyone can do it!

Decadent Brownie Swirl Cheesecake Recipe

Decadent Brownie Swirl Cheesecake

1 package fudge brownie mix (13×9 inch pan size)

Filling:   4 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened

1 cup sugar

4 eggs, lightly beaten

3 tsp. vanilla or 1 tsp. almond extract and 2 tsp. vanilla)

Fresh raspberries, optional

Chocolate curls, optional

 

Prepare brownie mix according to package directions for chewy fudge brownies.  Set aside 2/3 cup batter; spread remaining batter into a greased 9 inch springform pan.

Place pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18 inch square).  Securely wrap foil around pan.  Bake at 350 F. for 25-28 minutes (brownies will barely test done).  Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Beat in eggs and vanilla on low speed just until combined.  Stir 1/3 cup into reserved brownie batter; set aside.  Spoon half the cheesecake batter into crust; dollop with half of reserved chocolate cheesecake batter.  Repeat layers.  Cut through batter with a knife to swirl the chocolate cheesecake batter.

Place in a large baking pan; add 1 inch of hot water to large pan.  Bake at 325 F.  for 1 ½ hours or until surface is no longer shiny and center is almost set.

Remove pan from water bath and foil.  Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.  Carefully run a knife around the edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.   Refrigerate overnight.  Remove sides of pan.  Garnish with raspberries and chocolate curls if desired.

16 servings

 

(Recipe for Decadent Brownie Swirl Cheesecake came from Taste of Home Best Holiday Recipes, December 28, 2009)