Turtle Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Rich, gooey brownies loaded with toasted pecans and Ghirardelli chocolate baking chips topped with a swirled caramel cheesecake layer.
Do you have a chip of choice that you use when whipping up sweet magic in the kitchen? My chip of choice is Ghirardelli Baking Chips. Whenever they go on sale, I become a chocolate chip hoarder, filling my cart to the brim. Running out of chocolate chips is not an option.
You just never know when the need for chocolate chip cookies will strike.
When Ghirardelli asked me to partner with them to create a Valentine’s Day recipe, I could hardly contain my excitement. My heart rate began to steadily increase, my right eye started to twitch, and I began stumbling over my words.
“Mmm mm mm me?”
Thank goodness my inner cool girl intercepted. Here’s how the conversation went:
“Snap out of it, Jennie. Don’t go acting a fool just yet.”
“But it’s Ghirardelli!” I pleaded.
“I understand your excitement, but there’s no need to embarrass yourself,” she urged.
“Ugh, fine!”
It was tough, but I was able to take it down a notch and act like a civilized adult.
I use Ghirardelli Baking Chips in just about every recipe that calls for chocolate, so this partnership was like winning the chocolate lottery.
Why I love Ghirardelli:
- They’re chocolate is silky smooth and extremely creamy.
- No sooner their chocolate hits your tongue, it begins to melt instantly, coating your tongue with velvety sweet chocolate.
- Their baking chips melt better than any other chocolate chip I’ve ever used. Hello, truffles!
- It’s rich. Oh my, is their chocolate rich.
- Their chips are readily available in my local grocery store–no special ordering or shipping required, which is great for this impatient baker.
For this recipe, I used Ghirardelli’s 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Baking Chips. This specific chip teeters between semi-sweet and dark. If you love dark chocolate, then you’ll love these bittersweet morsels. They’re pure chocolate flavor with a hint of sweetness.
The brownie base is thick, rich, and gooey. There’s no need to break out the mixer because this recipe comes together effortlessly with a wooden spoon and some arm power. I stirred in a generous handful of toasted pecans and Ghirardelli Baking Chips. The chips take this brownie from decadent to intensely chocolate-y.
The swirl is a combination of cheesecake and rich, buttery caramel sauce.
The cheesecake layer is made with four simple ingredients: cream cheese, one egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla extract.
I used my no-fail caramel for this recipe. Feel free to use your own caramel recipe or your favorite store-bought caramel.
The layers:
- Spread the brownie mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie mixture.
- Drizzle the caramel over the cheesecake layer.
- Swirl together with a butter knife.
Blow someone’s mind this Valentine’s Day with this insanely decadent brownie recipe. Click here for more information about Ghirardelli Baking Chips.
Turtle Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Rich, gooey brownies loaded with toasted pecans and Ghirardelli chocolate baking chips topped with a swirled caramel cheesecake layer.
Ingredients:
Brownies:
2/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli)
1 stick unsalted butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
4 tablespoons caramel
Directions:
Brownies:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 8-by-8-inch square pan with parchment that overlaps on each side of the pan. Spray the pan with non-stick baking spray.
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Melt the chocolate over a double boiler until smooth. Take off the heat and allow the chocolate to cool slightly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and the eggs until slightly pale in color, about 1 minute. Whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, until combined. Whisk in the chocolate.
Fold in the flour mixture until thoroughly combined.
Gently fold in the chocolate chips and toasted pecans.
Pour the batter into your prepared brownie pan.
Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with a handheld mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and egg yolk. Beat until combined.
Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie mixture. Drizzle with caramel. Using a knife, swirl the caramel and cheesecake layer together.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay).
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. When the brownies are completely cool, cut into squares with a serrated knife.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
44 Comments on “Turtle Cheesecake Swirl Brownies”
I love your brownies. That is all I have to say :D
Delicious!
Nothing is better!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks, Uru!
mmmmm I love ghirardelli too! I use their choc chips in everything!
Me too, girl! Thanks!
Jennie, these look crazy amazing!!! So many fabulous layers! Pinned!
Thanks, Anna!
You make me want to run out right now and stock up on Ghirardelli chocolate, Jen! These brownies are out of control, in the best way possible. I don’t think you could’ve crammed in more fabulous deliciousness – brownies, pecans, chocolate, cheesecake and caramel. I want this in my face right now! And I love the recap of your inner dialogue. I talk to/scold myself all the time! Nice to know I’m not the only one ;)
I am forever chatting with myself. It’s a bit scary. Thank you so much, Nancy.
Three different desserts all in one, now that’s a valentine’s day treat!
Thanks, Erin!
I have been looking for a great chocolate cheesecake recipe to make for a friend’s wedding this summer and I will definitely give this recipe a try!
Thanks, Jenn. Let me know how you like them. I’m addicted to these.
haha your conversation with yourself cracked me up. These brownies look so good – I haven’t made brownies in far far too long. I need to change that!
Thanks, Ashley. Yeah, I always talk to myself. It’s scary.
Ghiradelli chocolate chips are the best and your brownies are to die for! I want the whole pan for myself…lol :P
I agree, CakeWhiz. Thanks!
I love all the different elements included in one delicious pan of brownies! They look amazing:-) Hugs, Terra
Thanks, Terra!
Oh my these look so moreish! I’ve never tried these chocolate chips before but my classmate from the States swears by them. Looks amazing! x
Thank you so much, Jaime. They’re so rich and creamy, perfect for baking.
Mmmm! I love Ghirardelli. One of my favorite places to go in the city is the Ghirardelli restaurant. Their hot chocolate is sooooo amazing on a winter day. Cheesecake and brownies is an awesome enough combo, but throw in the turtle flavors and I am swooning!
I’m jealous that you live within driving distance to a Ghirardelli restaurant. I need some of that hot chocolate.
I love turtle desserts. And a cheesecake swirl? In BROWNIES? Seriously, amazing!!
Thanks, Chelsea!
Oh yes! Cheesecake and caramel and brownies are all sort of my jam. By which I mean they are ABSOLUTELY my jam!
I live for brownies. Thanks, Danguole.
Yum, yum, yum, love these!!!
Thanks, Tara!
Oooooooooh, I love these. SO good. Love ghiradelli too!
Those are my favorite chips-for baking and eating and not necessarily in that order. This looks like a super duper recipe. Bet you had fun eating it!
These look so delicious!
Hello triple layer Valentine’s Day goodness! These look killer. Also, I totally agree–Ghiradelli chips are the best!
Gorgeous brownies, Jennie! Chocolate, caramel, cream cheese….it doesn’t get any better than that! : )
One of the things I miss most from the US is Ghiradelli chocolate. It’s like an old friend. Seeing these cheesecake swirl brownies sorta makes me homesick. In a good way. :)
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Mmmm, Ghiradelli is amazing- I think my inner dialogue might have gone something like yours too. Maybe I would have calmed down and maybe I wouldn’t have! Lovely photography too :)
These look insane! (In the best way.) Ghirardelli are my fave baking chips too–and also my favorite eating chips. It’s dangerous to have them around!
Yes, please.
{I’m not kidding. Please make these for me.}
Oh man…you had me at turtle cheesecake!! These look incredible!! :)
I’m SO GLAD I’m not the only one who fills her ENTIRE CART with shiny gold bags of chocolate when these babies go on sale. And samoa cheesecake brownies?? You’re killing me Jennie!
These look so good with the cheesecake and caramel swirl! I also noticed on your sidebar that you’re reading The Husband’s Secret. I’m reading it right now too. I really like it so far.
Thanks, Laura. I loved that book. It’s a bit complicated in the beginning, trying to sort through the characters, but it’s so good. Let me know how you like it.
I can understand your excitement to have Ghirardelli knocking at your door (kind of)! How freaking awesome! These brownies sound too good to be true…cheesecake swirls in brownies are my fave :)
Chocolate always gets me excited. Thanks!