Cheesecake Brownies

Brownie layer.

1/2 cup unsalted butter

8 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/3 teaspoon salt

Heat the oven to 350 F. Line 8×8 pan with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray. 

Make the brownie layer: Combine butter and 7 ounces (about 1 1/3 cup) chocolate in a mixing bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments until just melted; stir until smooth. Whisk in sugar, then eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, cocoa powder and salt. Scoop out about 1/3 cup brownie batter and set aside. Fold remaining chocolate into larger amount of batter. 

Make the cheesecake layer: In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth. Spread brownie batter into pan. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Stir 1 tablespoon of very hot water into the reserved brownie batter. Dollop brownie batter over cheesecake. Use a knife to swirl together. 

Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached. Cool brownies completely before cutting.