Brownie Cheesecake

I am so happy Madison is home from college for the winter break! Not only does she empty the dishwasher for me and bring in the groceries, she also bakes wonderful things! 

Emptying the dishwasher is one of my least favorite things to do in the kitchen. Why is that? I don't have a problem putting the dishes INTO the dishwasher! As a matter of fact I really enjoy getting the dirty dishes out of sight, but I have no idea why I have an aversion to taking the beautifully clean dishes out and putting them away. Madison has always done it for me until she had to get all ambitious and go to college (sheesh - kids).  I've been stuck doing it all the time now. Every once in a while I can sweet talk the hubs into taking care of it for me, but that ends up being more trouble than it's worth! He doesn't know where anything goes! How is that?? He has lived in this house as long as everyone else... (sheesh - men!)

Anyhoo, back to baking...Just the other day Madison made a batch of brownies and turned them into this delicious cheesecake! I am a big fan of cheesecake on any given day, but I can't believe how wonderful this cheesecake is! It is so creamy and flavorful! Not too rich either - it is just right! She is amazing!

Brownie Cheesecake

Brownie Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Brownie Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour an 8" square pan. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Stir in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. Spread batter in prepared pan and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Brownie recipe from allrecipes.com

Crust Ingredients

3 cups ground Chocolate Teddy Grahams.
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Crust Directions

Stir together crust ingredients and press into bottom and 1 inch up side of a greased 9" or 10" spring-form pan. Use right away or chill until ready to use.

Cheesecake Ingredients

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup sugar
2 cups brownie cubes (from recipe above)

Cheesecake Directions

Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Add 4 large eggs one at a time. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup sugar and beat on low speed until incorporated. Scrape down between additions. Gently fold brownie cubes into mixture and pour into spring-form pan. Place the pan onto a shallow baking pan such as a cookie sheet to catch any drippings if necessary (I like to line the pan with foil for easier clean up). Bake in the center of a preheated 350 degree oven for 45 minutes or until cake set around edges but center is still slightly jiggly.

Recipe inspired by Brownie Mosaic Cheesecake