Decadent Cheesecake Brownies (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Brownie Layer

01 - 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

→ For the Cheesecake Layer

09 - 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine melted butter and sugar, mixing well. Add eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated.
03 - Sift together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually fold into the wet mixture until just combined. Some lumps are acceptable.
04 - Pour half of the brownie mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly across the base. Reserve remaining half for topping.
05 - Beat softened cream cheese until smooth in a mixing bowl. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
06 - Pour cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading evenly. Drop dollops of reserved brownie batter on top and create a marbled effect using a knife or spatula.
07 - Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Remove from oven and cool in pan for 15 minutes. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

# Notes:

01 - These brownies taste even better the next day after flavors have melded in the refrigerator.