Decadent Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups
Indulge in these easy No-Bake Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups! Layers of fudgy brownie crumbles, creamy cheesecake filling, chocolate ganache, and caramel sauce create the ultimate individual dessert.
Ingredients
(Based on 1x column)
Brownie Layer:
- ▢ Fudgy brownies, crumbled (about 2 cups) (Store-bought or homemade)
Cheesecake Filling:
- ▢ 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ▢ 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ▢ 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
Toppings:
- ▢ Chocolate ganache (approx. 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + 1/4 cup heavy cream, see Ganache Topping in previous recipes for basic ratio)
- ▢ Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ▢ Extra brownie crumbs
Instructions
1. Prepare Brownies and Sauces (if needed):
- If using homemade brownies, ensure they are completely cooled, then crumble them into bite-sized pieces. You’ll need about 2 cups.
- Prepare your chocolate ganache: Gently heat about 1/4 cup of heavy cream until just simmering. Pour over about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly until it’s still pourable but not hot.
- Have your caramel sauce ready.
2. Make the No-Bake Cheesecake Filling:
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature.
- In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy, with no lumps. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- In a separate, clean, chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer (using whisk attachments) until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula to lighten it.
- Add the remaining whipped cream and continue to fold gently until just combined and the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix and deflate the whipped cream.
3. Assemble the Cups:
- Select your serving cups or jars (4-6, depending on size and desired portions).
- First Layer: Add a layer of crumbled brownies to the bottom of each cup.
- Second Layer: Pipe or spoon a layer of the cheesecake filling evenly over the brownie crumbles.
- Third Layer: Drizzle some of the slightly cooled chocolate ganache over the cheesecake filling.
- Fourth Layer: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the ganache.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering brownie crumbles, cheesecake filling, chocolate ganache, and caramel sauce until the cups are nearly full, ending with a layer of cheesecake filling or a drizzle of sauce depending on your preference.
4. Top It Off:
- Finish the top of each cup with a sprinkle of extra brownie crumbs.
- Add an additional drizzle of chocolate ganache and/or caramel sauce, if desired.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Place the assembled cups in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 1 hour (or longer for a firmer set) to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake filling to set completely.
- Serve chilled. Enjoy your decadent Loaded Brownie Cheesecake Cups!