Indulge in the ultimate sweet and savory mashup with these Maple Pecan Cheesecake Swirl Brownies! Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie base infused with the warm, caramelized notes of maple, swirled with a luscious cheesecake filling, and crowned with crunchy, toasted pecans. This decadent treat is the perfect balance of comfort, flavor, and texture, making it a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to delight your senses.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
These Maple Pecan Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are a flavor-packed, visually stunning dessert that will elevate any occasion. The combination of a fudgy, maple-infused brownie base, a creamy cheesecake swirl, and the crunchy, nutty topping creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, bringing it to a potluck, or simply indulging in a cozy night in, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the brownie base, you’ll need all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and pure maple syrup. The cheesecake swirl is made with cream cheese, granulated sugar, an egg, and a touch of vanilla extract. Finally, you’ll top it all off with toasted chopped pecans.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pecans: You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Maple Syrup: You can experiment with different types of maple syrup, such as dark or robust, to adjust the intensity of the maple flavor.
How to Make Maple Pecan Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the brownie base: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs and maple syrup.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the brownie base: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in the eggs and maple syrup.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. In a small bowl, prepare the cheesecake swirl by beating the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, then dollop the cheesecake swirl mixture on top. Gently swirl the two batters together with a knife or skewer. Top with the remaining brownie batter, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Caramel or Ganache: For an extra indulgent twist, you can add a layer of caramel or chocolate ganache on top of the cheesecake swirl.
- Nut Topping: You can experiment with different nut toppings, such as a mix of pecans and walnuts or a sprinkle of toasted coconut.
- Crackly Top: To ensure your brownies have that signature crackly top, be sure not to overmix the batter, and let the brownies cool completely before cutting.
- Gluten-Free: You can make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat: You can enjoy these brownies at room temperature or chilled, for a more fudgy texture.
Make-Ahead: These brownies can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
One serving of these Maple Pecan Cheesecake Swirl Brownies contains approximately 320 calories, 19 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of protein. They are a rich, indulgent treat, so be mindful of portion sizes.
- Serving Size: 1 brownie square
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these brownies in advance. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of nut besides pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the pecans with walnuts, hazelnuts, or a mix of your favorite nuts.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this can make the brownies dry.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need to use pure maple syrup, or can I use maple-flavored syrup?
For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using pure maple syrup. Maple-flavored syrups often contain additional sweeteners and may not provide the same depth of maple flavor.
Try These Next
- maple bacon cheesecake swirl brownies
- maple pecan cheesecake stuffed apples
- bacon maple cheesecake swirl bars
Maple Pecan Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Maple Pecan Cheesecake Swirl Brownies combine rich chocolatey brownies with a creamy, sweet maple pecan cheesecake swirl for an indulgent dessert experience. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup maple syrup
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
3. 3. Beat in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until well blended.
4. 4. Pour the brownie batter into the greased pan and spread evenly.
5. 5. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and maple syrup. Beat until smooth.
6. 6. Stir in chopped pecans.
7. 7. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the cheesecake into the brownies.
8. 8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
9. 9. Allow to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These brownies are great served with whipped cream or ice cream!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: brownies, cheesecake, maple, pecan