Oh boy, do I have a treat for you today! If you’ve ever found yourself torn between brownies and cheesecake, then let me introduce you to my latest obsession: Decadent Honey Bun Cheesecake Brownies. Imagine sinking your teeth into rich, fudgy brownies topped with a velvety cheesecake layer, swirling hints of honey and cinnamon. Pure bliss, right?
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a rainy Sunday afternoon when all I wanted was something sweet to comfort my soul. I had some leftover cream cheese and a slight craving for brownies, and thus, the adventure began! Halfway through, my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery, and I couldn’t wait to dive into this masterpiece. Once they were baked and cooled, the first bite was nothing short of heavenly. It’s become a go-to recipe for birthdays, potlucks, and even just to treat myself after a long week.
## What’s in Decadent Honey Bun Cheesecake Brownies?
Let’s take a closer look at what makes these brownies so incredible!
Brownie Base: The foundation of our treat! I love using a combination of high-quality cocoa powder and unsweetened chocolate for that deep, rich flavor. Ghirardelli chocolate is a personal favorite – it adds that extra oomph!
Eggs: The magic binding agent! Eggs not only help hold the brownie together, but they also contribute to that lovely, fudgy texture. Stick with large eggs for the best results.
Sugar: What would brownies be without a little sweetness? I prefer a mix of granulated and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a touch of moisture and flavor that takes these brownies over the top.
Flour: Just the right amount of all-purpose flour is needed to give structure. Be sure to measure accurately – the key to great brownies is not to overdo it!
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer! Use full-fat cream cheese for a creamy, dreamy texture. The rich flavor is unbeatable and contrasts beautifully with the fudgy brownies.
Honey: This ingredient gives our cheesecake layer that sweet, warm flavor reminiscent of honey buns. A touch of local honey not only supports local beekeepers but also adds a little uniqueness to the taste!
Cinnamon: The spice that ties everything together! Cinnamon adds warmth and a nostalgic hint of home-baked goodness.
## Is Decadent Honey Bun Cheesecake Brownies Good for You?
Well, let’s not kid ourselves – these brownies are a treat, not a health food! That said, there are a few perks to consider.
Cream Cheese: Full of calcium and fat, cream cheese can lend a creamy contrast to your dessert. It’s also lovely in moderation, so you’re not completely neglecting those nutrients!
Honey: As a natural sweetener, honey can be a bit healthier than refined sugar. It’s packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s still sugar, so moderation is key!
While there may not be many “health benefits” to indulge in a decadent dessert like this, there’s something to be said for the joy it brings – and sometimes, that’s worth its weight in gold!
## Ingredients
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup butter, melted
This recipe makes about 16 scrumptious brownies!
## How to Make Decadent Honey Bun Cheesecake Brownies?
1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. **Make the brownie base**: In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Then, add in the melted chocolate and cocoa powder, stirring until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, fold in the flour until just combined – don’t overmix!
3. **Prepare the cheesecake layer**: In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in honey, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing well to combine.
4. **Combine the two**: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Swirl in half of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, then repeat the process with the remaining batter and cheesecake.
5. **Bake**: Pop it in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few crumbs clinging.
6. **Cool and enjoy**: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting out and slicing into squares.
## Sweet Serving Suggestions
Feel free to get creative when serving these delightful brownies! A drizzle of caramel sauce or freshly whipped cream on top gives them a little extra flair. Want to be a show-off? Top it with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dollop of honey!
I’ve always found that when I bake something sweet and share it with friends or family, the joy multiplies. So, I encourage you to give these Decadent Honey Bun Cheesecake Brownies a try! They’re sure to create sweet memories, just like they did for me on that rainy afternoon. Let me know how they turn out, and happy baking!
