Rich, indulgent, and designed to impress, the Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake is what dessert dreams are made of. This layered masterpiece combines a dense, fudgy brownie base with a luscious cheesecake center and a generous topping of warm hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries—just like your favorite classic sundae.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, this dessert delivers big flavor and big impact. It brings together the best parts of a brownie and a cheesecake into one glorious, crowd-pleasing showstopper.

What Kind of Brownie Should I Use?

For the best texture and structure, use a homemade brownie that’s dense and chewy, not cakey. Boxed brownie mixes can work in a pinch, but from-scratch recipes give you more control over the richness and chocolate depth. Avoid overly gooey or underbaked brownies, as they can make slicing difficult once the cheesecake layer is added.

Ingredients for the Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

1 batch of your favorite chewy brownie batter (enough for a 9-inch springform pan)
3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Whipped cream (for topping)
Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Maraschino cherries (for garnish)

How To Make the Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

Step 1: Bake the Brownie Base

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Prepare your brownie batter and pour it into the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until set but not overbaked. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla, and mix well. Beat in the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides. Stir in the flour and salt until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled brownie base. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly. Cool on a wire rack, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Add the Hot Fudge Sundae Toppings

Once the cheesecake is chilled, warm your hot fudge slightly and pour it generously over the top. Add swirls of whipped cream, a sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles, and top each slice with a cherry.

Serving and Storing Your Brownie Cheesecake

This dessert is best served chilled, with a warm drizzle of extra hot fudge if desired. Use a warm knife for clean slices. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the brownie from overbaking while the cheesecake cooks?

Slightly underbake the brownie base initially and cool it fully before adding the cheesecake layer.

Can I use store-bought hot fudge?

Absolutely. A high-quality store-bought hot fudge works great and saves time.

Do I need a water bath for this cheesecake?

Not necessarily. Baking at a lower temperature and not overmixing can help prevent cracks.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for making a day ahead. Just add the toppings before serving.

How do I avoid lumps in my cheesecake?

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened and beat it thoroughly before adding other ingredients.

Want More Cheesecake Dessert Ideas?

If you’re all about dessert mashups like this, don’t miss these other decadent treats from my collection:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the fudge or keep it classic? Any fun topping twists?

I love seeing your delicious takes on these creations. Ask away if you need tips or have a variation in mind—let’s inspire each other.

For more dreamy desserts, follow me on Pinterest @NinaDishes

Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 6 hours
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake is an indulgent fusion of two beloved desserts: a rich, chewy brownie base layered with silky vanilla cheesecake and finished with warm hot fudge, whipped cream, sprinkles, and cherries. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make ahead and perfect for celebrations or when you’re craving a real treat.