Description
Luscious mint brownie cheesecake cups blend rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake in a delightful single-serving dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each cool, indulgent bite of this elegant treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups
Base:
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (for 8-inch square pan size), prepared as directed
Filling:
- 1 package (8 ounces / 226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Topping and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet or white chocolate chips, melted (for drizzle)
- Crushed peppermint candies or Andes mints (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Craft the foundation by mixing brownie batter according to package guidelines, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
- Generously distribute the brownie mixture into a prepared muffin tin, filling each cavity approximately one-third full to create an even base.
- Whip cream cheese and sugar in a mixing vessel until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency that promises a velvety finish.
- Incorporate vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and egg into the cream cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious cheesecake filling.
- Introduce a hint of festive green by adding food coloring, creating a vibrant mint-inspired visual appeal.
- Carefully layer the cheesecake mixture atop the brownie foundation, using a gentle swirling motion with a toothpick to create an artistic marbled effect.
- Position the muffin tin in a preheated oven at 350°F, allowing the delicate cups to bake for 18-22 minutes until edges firm up and centers maintain a subtle wobble.
- Allow the freshly baked cups to rest in the pan for ten minutes, then transition to a cooling rack to reach room temperature.
- Transform chocolate chips into a luxurious drizzle by melting them in short microwave intervals, stirring between each session to ensure smooth consistency.
- Embellish the cooled cups with a delicate chocolate cascade, optionally garnishing with crushed peppermint candies or Andes mints for an extra layer of decadence.
- Refrigerate the prepared treats for a minimum of one hour, enabling flavors to harmonize and the cheesecake to set completely.
- Serve chilled, presenting a divine fusion of rich brownie and creamy mint cheesecake.
Notes
- Adjust brownie batter thickness by adding a tablespoon of flour if the mix seems too runny, ensuring a perfect base texture.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and create a smooth, silky cheesecake filling.
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant mint green color without altering the batter’s consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, swap regular brownie mix with a gluten-free alternative and check all ingredients for gluten-free certification.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg