🍫 Brownie Cheesecake Dessert Cups

Rich crumbled brownies layered with luscious whipped cheesecake filling and topped with silky chocolate ganache and caramel—pure decadence in every bite!

Servings & Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 30–60 minutes (optional for firmer layers)
Total Time: 50–80 minutes
Yield: 6–8 small cups or jars
Dietary Tags: Dessert, Chocolate Lover’s Dream, Make-Ahead Friendly

📝 Ingredients

Brownie Layer:

• About 2 cups fudgy brownies, crumbled
  (use homemade or store-bought brownies—the fudgier, the better!)

Cheesecake Filling:

• 1½ cups cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Toppings:

• Chocolate ganache (melted chocolate + heavy cream)

• Caramel sauce

• Extra brownie crumbs

• Optional: crushed nuts, shaved chocolate, sea salt flakes, or a dash of espresso powder

🔪 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

• Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

• In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.

• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.

Step 2: Assemble the Dessert Cups

• Layer crumbled brownies at the bottom of each cup or jar.

• Spoon or pipe a layer of cheesecake filling over the brownies.

• Repeat layers if your cups are deep enough.

Step 3: Add Toppings

• Drizzle chocolate ganache and caramel sauce over the top.

• Garnish with extra brownie crumbs, nuts, or shaved chocolate as desired.

Step 4: Chill (Optional)

• Chill for 30–60 minutes for firmer layers or serve immediately if you like a softer dessert.

💡 Notes & Tips

• Whipped cream tip: Make sure your whipped cream is firm but not overwhipped to avoid grainy texture.

• Make it lighter: Swap regular cream cheese for light cream cheese and use a lighter whipped topping to lower W-W points.

• Texture boost: A sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts balances the richness perfectly.

📸 Step-by-Step Guide

(Suggested photo ideas: whipping cream → mixing cheesecake filling → layering brownies and cheesecake → drizzling ganache → final plated cups)

Pro Tip: Use piping bags for neater cheesecake filling layers, especially if you’re serving for a party!

🥄 Ingredient Insights & Swaps

Why these ingredients?

• Brownies: Rich, chocolatey base.

• Whipped cheesecake: Light, fluffy contrast to the dense brownies.

• Toppings: Extra indulgence and textural contrast.

Substitutions:

• Light cream cheese and low-fat whipped topping can reduce W-W points.

• Use sugar-free chocolate ganache and caramel for even more savings on points.

🎨 Flavor Variations & Serving Ideas

Flavor Add-Ins:

• Stir crushed Oreos into the cheesecake layer.

• Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the ganache for an adult twist.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve in mini mason jars for an elegant touch.

• Sprinkle with crushed pistachios or almonds for color and crunch.

🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Storage: Refrigerate assembled cups covered for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Not recommended—the texture of the cheesecake filling may change after thawing.

🔎 Nutrition & W-W Points (per cup estimate)**

Calories: ~430 kcal | Protein: ~5g | Carbs: ~30g | Fat: ~32g

W-W Points (per serving, based on 8 servings with full-fat ingredients):
➡️ 16 Points