Description
These Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups are delightful individual desserts featuring a rich brownie base topped with a creamy, mint-infused cheesecake layer. Perfectly baked for a marbled effect and garnished with chocolate chips or mint candies, they make an elegant and tasty treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the brownie base:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
For topping:
- Mini chocolate chips or crushed mint candies (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prevent sticking and for easy removal.
- Make brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt just until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated without overmixing.
- Fill muffin cups with brownie batter: Divide the brownie batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each one about halfway to make room for the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and peppermint extract, mixing thoroughly until fully incorporated. Optionally, add a few drops of green food coloring to give the cheesecake layer a festive minty hue.
- Add cheesecake layer on top: Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in each muffin cup, filling nearly to the top. For a decorative touch, gently swirl the two layers together with a toothpick to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the cups: Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the cheesecake centers are set and the edges have attained a slight golden color.
- Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cups to cool completely at room temperature. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour to set properly before serving.
- Add toppings and serve: Just before serving, top each cheesecake cup with mini chocolate chips or crushed mint candies for added texture and flavor, if desired.
Notes
- Using silicone baking cups can make removing the cheesecake cups easier and reduce stickiness.
- For a quick alternative, use a boxed brownie mix instead of making the brownie batter from scratch and swirl in the homemade mint cheesecake layer.
- These mint brownie cheesecake cups freeze well for up to 1 month, making them great for make-ahead desserts.
