Chocolate and butter are melting over a simmering pot of water. The oven is on and a pan awaits batter. Cocoa, sugar, vanilla, and flour are on the counter by the pot. Across the kitchen on another counter are cream cheese and eggs warming up from their chill in the fridge. A mixer is positioned by a big bowl. Everything is ready for making a decadent dessert. A few spills and splatters later, it goes in the oven for a final bake. Next comes cooling and chilling. The hardest part is waiting to enjoy an incredible Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.
Everyone needs a little decadence from time to time. It's something to look forward to and makes for a special celebration. It can also mark the start of a time of doing without. Such is the case with Fat Tuesday, a cherished day of indulgence before the Lenten season. Mardi Gras happens the day before Ash Wednesday. New Orleans throws the biggest celebration of it in America. Sunday Supper had to join in the fun with a Fat Sunday showcasing decadent, Mardi Gras, or New Orleans inspired food.
What to make for Fat Sunday? I had to go for the decadent option. First was deciding which decadence to feature. I considered something battered and deep fried for a split second. Butter-laden came to mind next. That took me to cream cheese and the possibilities with it. My thoughts went to cheesecake because of a recent discussion with my friend Terry and so I decided to go for the most indulgent one I've ever made.
Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake has layers of richness. The original recipe is one I saved years ago and I believe it is by Eagle Brand®. Only thing is it calls for boxed brownie mix and I wanted it all homemade. I used the recipe for my Just-Right Brownie and it worked out just right. The brownie layer is fudgy and dense. The next layer is a creamy cheesecake filled with mini chocolate chips. The crowning decadence is real whipped cream which conveniently covered up a major crack in the top. (Oops. Shhh! don't tell anyone).
Do you celebrate Mardi Gras? I do only in the sense of using it as an excuse to eat something indulgent. Scroll down to find the list of Fat Sunday recipes by Sunday Supper contributors. Big thanks to Leslie of La Cocina de Leslie for hosting this fun event.
Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the brownie layer:
- ¾ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 5 ounces semisweet chocolate chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
For the cheesecake layer:
- 3 8- ounce packages cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 14- ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
For the brownie layer:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom only of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Stir together the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of the flour in a small bowl.
- Whisk together remaining flour and salt in a separate small bowl.
- Melt the chocolate and butter in a large non-reactive bowl over a pan of simmering water. When the chocolate and butter has melted, remove it from the heat and stir in sugar and cocoa powder.
- Whisk in the vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in flour until just moistened. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until set.
For the cheesecake layer:
- Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add condensed milk and beat until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla and beat until just combined. Do not over beat.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour over brownie layer.
- Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees F.
- Bake 50 minutes or until center is set. Cool to room temperature. Chill thoroughly overnight.
- Remove side of springform pan.
For the topping:
- Beat whipping cream using a mixer on medium speed until frothy.
- Gradually add sugar while increasing mixer speed to high.
- Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over top of cheesecake.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Notes
Are you ready for more decadent and Mardi Gras food? Check out these recipes by Sunday Supper contributors:
Cocktails & Other Beverages:
- The Hurricane Cocktail Recipe from An Appealing Plan
- The French 75 from Kimchi MOM
- Sweet Potato Pie Smoothie from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Appetizers:
- Fried Oysters and Remoulade from Jane's Adventures in Dinner
- Shrimp in Mustard Sauce from Noshing With The Nolands
- Mini Sweet Potato Pies from MealDiva
- Cajun Crab and Corn Beignets from Delaware Girl Eats
- Pancetta and Mushroom Arancini from Ruffles & Truffles
Main Dishes:
- Shrimp Po Boy Recipe from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
- Chicken and Sausage Gumbo from Supper for a Steal
- Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya from Yours And Mind Are Ours
- Vegan Pizza Waffles from Killer Bunnies, Inc.
- Red Beans and Rice from Cookin' Mimi
- Baked Catfish Po'Boy from Curious Cuisiniere
- Muffaletta from Casa de Crews
- Bayou Seafood and Andouille Jambalaya from The Weekend Gourmet
- Seafood Gumbo from Take A Bite Out of Boca
- Cajun Rice & Beans from Momma's Meals
- Celery Root Bisque (with Lobster) from The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Louisiana Roasted Barbecue Shrimp from Food Lust People Love
- Cajun Dirty Rice Bowls from The Dinner-Mom
- New Orleans Fried Chicken from Family Foodie
Side Dishes:
- Baked Endive and Pears in Blue Cream Sauce from Shockingly Delicious
- Okra Creole from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Desserts:
- Banana Creme Pie with Honey Whipped Cream and Pecan Brittle from The Foodie Patootie
- Chocolate Ganache Tart from Melanie Makes
- Banana Bread Pudding from Gotta Get Baked
- Delicious Saffron Baked Beignets from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- New Orleans Bread Pudding with Caramel Whiskey Sauce from La Bella Vita Cucina
- Polish Paczki from Cravings of a Lunatic
- Buttermilk Beignets from The Messy Baker
- Eggless Bread Pudding in a Jar from What Smells So Good?
- Mint Julep Bars from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Mardi Gras Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Mini Long Johns from Kudos Kitchen by Renee
- Mexican Chocolate Coffee Cake from La Cocina de Leslie
- Fasnetküchle (Swabian Doughnuts) from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
- Cheesecake Swirl Brownies from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Pecan and Chocolate Pralines from Desserts Required
- Chocolate Raspberry Cake from Clarks Condensed
- Baked Coconut Beignets from Mess Makes Food
- Ravioli dolci di Carnevale from Manu's Menu
- Strawberry Paczki from Neighborfood
- Blackberry Fritters from girlichef
- Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheesecake from Magnolia Days
- Flourless Chocolate Cake in a Mug with Coconut Cream from Sue's Nutrition Buzz
- Pecan Bars from Pies and Plots
- "Skinny Tuesday" Bananas Foster Cheesecake Parfaits from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Mocha Pear Cake from Happy Baking Days
- Skinny Baked Beignets from Daily Dish Recipes
Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.
Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? Click here: Sunday Supper Movement
This cheesecake looks to good not to devour it!!! Ohhhh I wish I could have at least one slice!
And I wish I could send you a slice to enjoy.
I loooove cheesecake and brownies. This is exactly the decadent dessert I would pick on Fat Tuesday.
Thank Marjory and it is the dessert for brownie and cheesecake fans.
Wow! I'm not even a huge cheesecake fan, and I could totally go for a big slice. Somehow I bet the brownie and whipped cream not only add to the decadence, but also balance the dense, rich cheesecake.
Yes they do!
This is a deliciously decadent way to celebrate Mardi Gras!
Thanks Betsy
Renee!!! your brownie chocolate chip cheesecake has my name written all over it! it looks PERFECT! that inside shot is making me drool! As I wrote on Liz's post, if I'm going to indulge, give me something sweet and delicious. . just like this! love it!
You are so very kind Alice. I wish I could send you a slice right now.
Goodness gracious that looks delicious!
Thanks Renee and it is as delicious as it looks.
Oh Renee, this looks so fabulously sinful. Gorgeous photos. I'm salivating over here!
Thanks Courtney and thinking sinful is appropriate since it is for Mardi Gras. Great description.
OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your cheesecake looks beautiful, just beautiful!! I love the recipe and I so need this cheesecake in my life!
Oh Jennifer, your comment made me smile so big. Thank you very much!
What a spectacular cheesecake, Renee! We were both on the same wavelength today...I'd love to follow up one of my brownies with a slice of your amazing cheesecake!
And I'd love to follow up my cheesecake with your amazing brownies.
This is so beautiful, Renee! Perfectly and wonderfully decadent.
Thanks Heather. It's very decadent and I have to enjoy it one small slice at a time.
You make the most gorgeous of desserts Renee and this one is another show stopper!!
Thanks Tara. It is such a great cheesecake to photograph. It came out so nicely.
I always love your 'opening scene' paragraphs to your post. You set the mood so perfectly.
And yes, you definitely did go decadent with this dessert. Brownies...chocolate chips...cheesecake...what's not to love?!
Thanks Shaina and your compliment of my writing totally made my day.
Forget the milk.... I need this with a great big mug of coffee.
Yes it would be great with coffee. And coffee with cream because you have to make sure to continue with the decadence.
2 great desserts in one! Genius, Renee!
Oh yes, the best of two dessert worlds together in one.
If this cheesecake doesn't please a mardi gras crowd I'm out of here. It looks fantastic! Great job.
Thanks a bunch Shannon and I think it is a crowd pleaser too.
You had me drooling just from that first paragraph! The hardest part for me isn't the waiting, it's not being able to enjoy a slice of this decadent cheesecake. Divine!
Thanks Leslie. You can enjoy a slice or as much as you want when you make it.
Beautiful! My 5 year old is sitting next to me and she wants me to make this... RIGHT NOW! Sounds yummy!
Thanks Jennifer and I'm sure you 5 year old would enjoy the time in the kitchen with you making this cheesecake.
Oh my gosh, I think I could eat this whole cheesecake in one sitting. Now that would be fat Sunday... but it just looks so delicious.
Thanks Lane. Eating this whole cheesecake would certainly be a Fat Sunday for sure.
You're so mean. Teasing us all week with this cheesecake, now sharing more gorgeous photos and we still don't get to taste it!
If I could send a slice through the computer to you Susan I would.
Pinning! This looks unbelievable and I have no doubt it will be a hit in our house.
Thank you very much Melanie and I appreciate the pin.
I would certainly be Fat if I took a big slice of this awesome dessert!
Too funny Cathy.
You had me at Brownie never mind chocolate and cheesecake. WOW. Great recipe Renee!
I figured either the brownie or the cheesecake would get a lot of people's attention.
Good lawd, Renee, this is glorious! Seriously. It's beautiful. Each layer is gorgeous and perfect. That layer of brownie looks wonderfully fudgy 'n dense, while your cheesecake is luscious and creamy. I just can't stop staring at these photos!
Thanks Nancy and you made me smile so big with your comment.
I don't think I've ever seen a dessert quite as decadent as this one. Wow!! Which of course makes it perfect for Mardi Gras. 🙂 Beautiful pictures!
It is the most decadent one I could think of for the event. Bring on Fat Sunday / Tuesday / any day.
mmmmm, yummmmmy...give me a plate, fork and one piece of this delightful, creamy and delicious cheesecake, i can't resist form something like that 😀
You can even have two pieces if you want.
I have to say...this dessert looks absolutely out of this world!!! Sky high, rich goodness!
Thanks Katie and it is one tall cheesecake for sure.
I need this in my life. RIGHT NOW. So yummy. Must make it.
I thought you would like this cheesecake Kim. I can tell you are a real cheesecake fan.
How can I even begin to describe to you how badly I want to eat this cake. When I come visit you, you will make this for me, right?
I'll make this and anything else you want when you come and visit me.
Can you send me a slice? It looks amazing!
If I could send you a slice I would however I don't think it would ship well.
Brownies and cheesecake are such a killer combo for me... I'd be dangerous with this!
It was dangerous having it around here too. I had to indulge on it several times.
That looks so creamy delish I would break a diet to have a piece. Lovely!
Thanks Sue and it is worth breaking a diet just for a piece (perhaps a small one so you won't be breaking it too much).