Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

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If your sweet tooth is calling, this Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup that delivers on every indulgent level. Imagine a dense, fudgy brownie base, topped with a creamy, rich vanilla cheesecake, and drenched in glossy hot fudge sauce. Add a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, and a bright maraschino cherry, and you’ve got yourself a showstopper.

This dessert is the love child of a brownie sundae and a cheesecake, offering the best of both worlds. Whether you serve it for a celebration or simply want to wow a dinner crowd, every slice promises layers of texture and flavor. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make with a few key steps.

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What Kind of Brownie Base Works Best?

The beauty of this recipe lies in the contrast between the fudgy brownie and the silky cheesecake. For the base, a dense, chewy brownie works best—the kind you usually find at the center of a good boxed mix or homemade from scratch. Avoid cakey brownies; they won’t give you the same rich, indulgent texture that stands up to the creamy topping.

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Ingredients for the Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

Brownie Layer
This forms the solid, chocolatey foundation. You can use a homemade brownie recipe or a reliable box mix, but make sure it’s the dense kind.

Cream Cheese
Full-fat cream cheese is key for a rich, velvety cheesecake texture. Soften it to room temperature for smooth blending.

Granulated Sugar
Balances the tang of the cream cheese and gives the cheesecake its signature sweetness.

Eggs
Provide structure to the cheesecake layer while keeping it creamy.

Vanilla Extract
Adds warm flavor notes to both the cheesecake and whipped topping.

Hot Fudge Sauce
The glossy topping that brings that “sundae” element to life. Use store-bought or homemade for a decadent finish.

Whipped Cream
Lightens things up and adds a classic sundae touch. Pipe it on right before serving.

Chocolate Shavings
Optional but recommended for texture and presentation.

Maraschino Cherries
The iconic topping that turns this cheesecake into a sundae.

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How To Make the Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a springform pan. Mix your brownie batter according to package or recipe directions. Pour into the pan and bake until just set—usually about 20 minutes. Let it cool slightly while preparing the cheesecake.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until combined. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie base and smooth the top.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Bake the layered dessert at 325°F (160°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Add the Sundae Toppings

Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle a generous amount of hot fudge sauce over the top. Pipe whipped cream in swirls, sprinkle chocolate shavings, and finish each slice with a maraschino cherry.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Slice with a hot knife for clean cuts and serve chilled. Prepare to impress!

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How to Serve and Store This Dessert

This cheesecake is best served cold straight from the fridge. The contrast between the cool, creamy layers and the warm drizzle of hot fudge makes each bite magical. For clean slices, run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts.

To store, cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices (without toppings) for up to one month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance can I make this cheesecake?

You can make it up to 2 days in advance. Just wait to add the whipped cream, fudge, and cherry toppings until right before serving.

Can I use a different type of brownie?

Yes, but stick to fudgy brownies. Avoid light or cakey textures as they won’t hold up well under the cheesecake layer.

Do I need a water bath?

Not for this recipe! The brownie layer creates a natural buffer, and baking at a lower temperature helps prevent cracking.

Can I use store-bought hot fudge?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s a high-quality, thick fudge sauce that won’t run too thin.

How do I make chocolate shavings?

Use a vegetable peeler on a bar of semisweet chocolate. You can make curls or flakes depending on your pressure and angle.

What if I don’t like cherries?

Skip the cherry or swap it for another fruit like a raspberry or even a dollop of caramel if that’s more your style.

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Want More Cheesecake Ideas?

If you love this Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake, here are a few more dreamy options to explore:

• Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a handheld twist on a cheesecake favorite.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups if you love bright and fruity flavors.
• Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for a fun and sweet snack mix.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Poke Cake if you’re craving something soft and spoonable.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go all-in with extra fudge? Try any fun toppings? I love seeing your creative spins on classic desserts.

Sharing your version helps others in the kitchen too—let’s inspire each other!

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