Once your brownies have finished baking, let them cool for about 10 minutes before layering. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled brownie base. Bake the entire thing in the springform pan for an hour or so, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. When it’s done, turn off the oven and crack the door, letting the cheesecake cool gradually for about an hour—this helps prevent cracking. After that, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least four hours or overnight; trust me, the wait is worth it!
Now for my favorite part—assembling and decorating the Brownie Sundae Cheesecake! Once everything is fully chilled, carefully release the cheesecake from the springform pan. I like to place it on a serving platter and then scoop generous dollops of ice cream right onto the center. Drizzle with warm chocolate syrup, and add a swirl of whipped cream on top. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle on some chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles for that extra pizazz!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this three ways to find the perfect bake time for both layers, and I highly recommend keeping an eye on the brownie when baking. The oven can be sneaky, and you don’t want them to overbake and dry out—you want a fudgy base!
Surprisingly, using room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake creates a smoother batter. I remember making it once with cold cream cheese, and let me tell you, there were lumps galore! So, give yourself a little extra time to set them out before you start mixing.
Lastly, if you love a bit of crunch, consider adding crushed cookies, nuts, or candy to your brownie batter before baking. It adds fun textures and surprises in every bite!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is trying to rush the cooling process. When I first made this cheesecake, I was too eager and cut into it soon after it came out of the oven. The cheesecake wasn’t set properly and just fell apart. Patience is key—let it cool completely before refrigerating, and you’ll achieve that nice, firm texture. (See the next page below to continue…)