Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

The Story Behind the Recipe – When Two Desserts Fell in Love ❤️

Every once in a while, a dessert comes along that makes you stop, close your eyes, and whisper, “This is dangerous.” That’s exactly how I felt the first time I tasted this Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake.

The inspiration came on a cozy Saturday night when the kids wanted brownies and my husband asked for cheesecake. I stood in the kitchen, spatula in hand, torn between the two… until I thought, “Why not both?”

So I baked a rich, fudgy brownie base, poured creamy cheesecake batter on top, and swirled it together with ribbons of chocolate fudge. When it came out of the oven, the smell alone was pure heaven. But the magic really happened after it chilled — velvety cheesecake, gooey brownie, hot fudge, whipped cream, and cherries all in one glorious bite.

It’s been our family celebration cake ever since — birthdays, holidays, or just those “we survived the week” moments. One slice and everyone’s smiling again. 🍫🍒

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What Makes This Recipe Special 🌟

• 🍫 Two Desserts in One: Brownie + cheesecake = ultimate indulgence.
• 🍒 Hot Fudge Sundae Style: Topped with fudge, whipped cream, and cherries.
• 🍰 Rich but Balanced: Sweet, creamy, fudgy, and a little tangy.
• 🧁 Beautiful Presentation: A dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• 🥄 Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for parties or special dinners.

This is not a simple dessert — it’s a grand finale. Every bite feels like a celebration. 🎉

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

🍫 For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

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🍰 For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 3 (8-oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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🍫 For the Hot Fudge Topping:

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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🍒 For Garnish:

• Whipped cream
• Maraschino cherries
• Crushed peanuts or sprinkles (optional)

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer

In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.

Stir in flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until just combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes — it should be slightly underbaked (it will finish baking with the cheesecake).

Set aside to cool slightly.

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Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Batter

Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each.

Mix in sour cream, flour, and vanilla. The batter should be velvety smooth.

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Step 4: Assemble

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked brownie layer. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil (to prevent water leaks). Place it inside a larger baking dish and fill with hot water halfway up the sides — this water bath keeps the cheesecake creamy and crack-free.

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Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 1 hour.

Then remove from the oven, cool completely, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

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Step 6: Make the Hot Fudge

In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream until steaming. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate chips and butter until smooth and glossy. Add vanilla.

Let it cool slightly until thick but pourable.

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Step 7: Decorate Like a Sundae 🍨

Remove the chilled cheesecake from the pan. Pour the warm fudge over the top, letting it drip down the sides.

Pipe or spoon whipped cream around the edges and top with maraschino cherries.

Sprinkle with chopped peanuts or sprinkles for that true sundae magic.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🍽️

• ☕ Espresso or Coffee: Balances the sweetness beautifully.
• 🥛 Cold Milk: The ultimate classic pairing.
• 🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream: For an over-the-top treat (because why not?).
• 🍷 Port or Sweet Dessert Wine: A fancy touch for dinner parties.
• 🍓 Fresh Strawberries: Add a pop of freshness and color.

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Customization & Variations 🌈

• 🍊 Chocolate-Orange Twist: Add orange zest to the cheesecake layer.
• 🥜 Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter and swirl before baking.
• 🍪 Oreo Crust: Swap the brownie base for crushed Oreos and melted butter.
• 🍫 Double Fudge: Mix chocolate chips into the brownie layer for extra gooeyness.
• 🍒 Black Forest Style: Top with cherries and drizzle cherry syrup with fudge.
• 🥥 Coconut Dream: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream topping.

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Storing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store covered for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Serve Chilled: It’s best served cold — the textures and flavors shine that way!

(Pro Tip: Drizzle fresh hot fudge right before serving for that “just-made” sundae effect!)

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Sugar: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 310mg

Rich, indulgent, and worth every heavenly bite. 🍫💛

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I skip the water bath?
You can, but the cheesecake may crack — it’s purely cosmetic though!

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day after chilling overnight.

3. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely — it’s a great shortcut!

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use your favorite gluten-free brownie mix or almond flour brownie base.

5. How do I know the cheesecake is done?
It should jiggle slightly in the center — it will firm up as it cools.

6. Can I use store-bought fudge sauce?
Sure! But homemade fudge takes it to the next level.

7. How do I slice it neatly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.

8. What kind of cream cheese is best?
Full-fat brick cream cheese gives the richest texture.

9. Can I make it mini?
Yes — use muffin tins for adorable single-serve cheesecakes!

10. Can I add toppings before chilling?
Wait until it’s fully chilled — fudge and whipped cream hold up better that way.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

This Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake isn’t just dessert — it’s a celebration in every bite.

It’s the kind of recipe that makes people’s eyes light up when you walk into the room holding it. The layers, the fudge drizzle, the whipped cream, the cherries — it’s nostalgia and decadence baked together into one show-stopping masterpiece.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, Valentine’s Day, or just want to treat yourself after a long week — this cheesecake says, “You deserve something special.”

So go ahead, preheat that oven, unwrap the chocolate, and make magic happen in your kitchen. Because life’s too short not to have dessert that makes you smile. ❤️🍫

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Tried This Recipe? 💕

If you made this Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake, I’d love to see your creation!

📸 Snap a photo and share it on Pinterest, tagging @Granny’s Lil Kitchen so I can cheer you on and feature your masterpiece!

Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and tell me how you made it your own — extra fudge, different toppings, or maybe a swirl of caramel?

Your sweet moments make this community so special. Until next time, keep your oven warm and your heart full of love (and chocolate!). 🍒🍫