Can I make brownie cheesecake dessert cups gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting almond flour or certified gluten-free flour blends in place of traditional flour, you can prepare gluten-free dessert cups without losing texture or flavor.

Is there a vegan alternative for cream cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely, plant-based cream cheese options made from cashews, coconut, or other non-dairy bases work well as vegan replacements while maintaining creamy texture.

How long can I store these dessert cups?

Refrigerated in an airtight container, they last up to 4 days; freezing extends shelf life to about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

Flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water act as excellent egg substitutes to bind the mixture naturally while keeping it vegan-friendly.

How can I reduce sugar without affecting taste?

Use natural sweetener alternatives like stevia or erythritol in place of maple syrup or sugar to reduce calories while maintaining sweetness.

Brownie Cheesecake Dessert Cups with Cherry Topping Recipe

Name: Cheesecake Swirl Brownie Cups with Cherry Topping Recipe
Prep time: 6 h 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 6 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix or homemade brownie recipe ingredients; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (optional for homemade); 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional for homemade); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust sweetness as desired); 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk or sour cream; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional); 1 egg (optional); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); Mini chocolate chips or swirled brownie batter (optional); Cherry pie filling for topping (optional)

Description

🧁 Cheesecake Swirl Brownie Cups combine rich brownie flavor with creamy no-bake cheesecake filling for a delightful dessert.
🍒 Perfect for individual servings, these cups are easy to make and topped with delicious cherry pie filling for a flavor boost.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box brownie mix or homemade brownie recipe ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter (optional for homemade)
1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional for homemade)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust sweetness as desired)
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk or sour cream
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
1 egg (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Mini chocolate chips or swirled brownie batter (optional)
Cherry pie filling for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325–350°F (163–177°C). Grease a muffin pan well; liners are optional.
2. Prepare brownie batter per instructions. Reserve some batter if swirling in topping.
3. Fill muffin cups with brownie batter forming small cups.
4. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and gently press centers to deflate, keeping edges intact.
5. Return to oven and bake an additional 5–25 minutes; repeat deflating as needed until cups hold shape.
6. Cool brownie cups completely.
7. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk (or sour cream), cocoa powder (if used), egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
8. For lighter texture, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold gently into cream cheese mixture.
9. Spoon or pipe about 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling into each cooled brownie cup.
10. Add optional toppings such as mini chocolate chips, brownie batter swirl, or cherry pie filling.
11. Refrigerate filled cups for at least 1 hour to set; chilling overnight is best for flavor and texture.

Notes

🧁 Avoid cupcake liners to prevent sticking; grease pan thoroughly or use nonstick spray.
⏲️ Adjust baking and deflating time when using mini muffin tins for best shape.
☕ Add espresso powder to brownie batter to deepen chocolate flavor if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 6 hours
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking with no-bake filling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie cup
Calories: 139 kcal
Sugar: 17 g
Sodium: 32 mg
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 7 mg