Introduction
What happens when you combine three of the world’s favorite desserts into one glorious creation? You get the Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake — a show-stopping, jaw-dropping dessert that layers a chewy chocolate brownie crust, a creamy vanilla cheesecake center, and a glossy, thick drizzle of hot fudge sauce that pools just right. It’s finished with all your favorite sundae toppings like whipped cream, cherries, sprinkles, or even crushed candy bars.
Whether you’re a fan of fudge cheesecake recipes, candy cheesecakes, or just obsessed with bakery sweets, this homemade cheesecake will exceed your every expectation. It’s rich, luxurious, and indulgent — perfect for celebrations, birthdays, holidays, or those “treat yourself” weekends.
This article guides you through every step of the process — from making the brownie base to drizzling the final layer of silky hot fudge — and includes pro tips, topping ideas, flavor variations, and even FAQs to help you bake with confidence.
Why This Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake Works
- Brownie Base: Chewy and chocolaty — like your favorite Hershey’s brownies but thicker and more indulgent.
- Cheesecake Center: Classic vanilla cheesecake that’s ultra creamy and pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Hot Fudge Topping: The silky, slightly bitter fudge offsets the sweetness, creating the perfect balance.
- Sundae Finish: Toppings like whipped cream, cherries, or even candy bar chunks transform this into a full dessert experience.
- Great for Customizing: You can easily make a Buckeye brownie cheesecake or turn it into a candy bar cheesecake with minimal changes.
Ingredients List
✅ For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
✅ For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
✅ For the Hot Fudge Topping:
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped Hershey’s chocolate bars)
✅ Optional Sundae Toppings:
- Whipped cream
- Cherries
- Crushed nuts (peanuts, almonds, or pecans)
- Chocolate curls or shavings
- Crushed candy bars (Reese’s, Snickers, Twix for a candy bar cheesecake effect)
- Sprinkles
Tools You’ll Need
- Springform pan (9-inch)
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Large mixing bowls
- Saucepan or double boiler
- Parchment paper
- Foil for water bath
- Roasting pan (for water bath)
Step-by-Step Directions
🍫 Step 1: Make the Brownie Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of your springform pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the sides.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Whisk in cocoa powder until fully blended, then stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 18–20 minutes — it should be set but slightly soft in the center.
- Let cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
🍰 Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and lump-free.
- Add sugar and mix until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the slightly cooled brownie layer.
💧 Step 3: Bake in a Water Bath
- Wrap the springform pan’s exterior in heavy-duty foil to prevent leaks.
- Set the pan in a large roasting pan and pour hot water halfway up the sides.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Turn the oven off, crack the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
- Remove, place on a cooling rack, and then chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
🍮 Step 4: Make the Hot Fudge Topping
- In a small saucepan, heat cream over medium heat until simmering.
- Remove from heat, add chocolate chips and butter, and stir until glossy and smooth.
- Stir in vanilla and let cool for about 10–15 minutes (it will thicken slightly).
🍒 Step 5: Assemble the Sundae Cheesecake
- Pour cooled fudge over the chilled cheesecake and spread gently with a spatula.
- Pipe whipped cream around the edges, top with cherries, candy bars, or nuts.
- Let chill for another 30 minutes before slicing.
Expert Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Essential for a smooth cheesecake batter.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once eggs are in, mix just until combined to prevent cracks.
- Don’t Skip the Water Bath: It ensures even baking and prevents the top from browning too fast or cracking.
- Chill Thoroughly: This cheesecake improves in flavor and texture with time.
- Use Real Chocolate: Hershey’s chocolate chips or bars will give you that nostalgic hot fudge flavor.
Variations to Try
🥜 Buckeye Brownie Cheesecake
Add a creamy peanut butter layer between the brownie and cheesecake layers. You can use a mixture of peanut butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese.
🍬 Candy Bar Cheesecake
Stir chopped Snickers or Reese’s into the cheesecake batter and sprinkle more on top before serving.
🍓 Fresh Fruit Sundae Version
Top your cheesecake with strawberries, raspberries, or bananas. Pair with a drizzle of fruit sauce instead of fudge for a lighter finish.
🍰 Hershey’s Cheesecake
Use melted Hershey’s chocolate in both the brownie and fudge layers for a cohesive flavor throughout.
🧁 Mini Cheesecakes
Turn this recipe into cupcake-sized cheesecakes using a muffin tin and liners. Reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
Pairing & Serving Suggestions
This dessert is ultra-rich, so small portions go a long way. Serve with:
- Fresh black coffee or espresso
- Vanilla or chocolate milkshakes
- Salted caramel drizzle on the side
- Mini milk shooters for kids’ parties
Perfect for:
🎂 Birthday Parties
🎄 Holiday Celebrations
🍴 Dinner Parties
💝 Valentine’s Day
🎉 Potlucks or Bake Sales
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Can be fully assembled a day or two in advance.
- Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cheesecake (before adding fudge) wrapped tightly in foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add toppings before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of making it from scratch?
Yes! Choose your favorite fudge-style brownie mix. Bake just until set (about 2/3 the time) since it will bake again with the cheesecake.
What if my cheesecake cracks?
Don’t worry — the hot fudge topping will cover it beautifully. For best results, always use a water bath and don’t overbake.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free brownie base or substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Can I skip the hot fudge topping?
You can, but it’s what makes this dessert resemble a classic hot fudge sundae. For a lighter twist, use fruit glaze or caramel instead.
How can I make this lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and skip the candy toppings — but we say go big or go home!
Final Thoughts
The Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake is a full-on dessert experience: rich, creamy, chocolaty, and loaded with flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who can’t choose between a brownie, a sundae, and a slice of cheesecake — because with this recipe, you get everything in one bite.
Whether you’re baking to impress a crowd or to treat yourself on a lazy weekend, this recipe will satisfy every craving for fudge cheesecake recipes, candy cheesecake treats, and bakery-level food and desserts. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a repeat request in your home.
