Keto Brownie Cheesecake is the best of all possible worlds, combining fudgy low carb brownies and sugar-free vanilla cheesecake. It’s my most iconic keto dessert recipe, with good reason!
My famous Keto Brownie Cheesecake gets an update! It’s now easier to make and even lower in carbs. So you can feel free to dig in without concern.
And dig in you should! This recipe has been on my blog since 2013 and it’s adored by readers far and wide. Even folks who don’t follow a keto diet rave about it. I get asked to bring it to all sorts of parties and get togethers. And I’m always happy to oblige!
You really can’t go wrong when you combine fudgy brownies with creamy keto cheesecake. It’s an absolutely mouthwatering combination.
Why you need this recipe
This recipe really is a must make for any keto dessert lover. It starts with a base of my fudgy keto brownies, which is a bit of a departure from the original recipe. But it makes it extra easy and lowers the carb count per serving.
Then it’s topped off with a layer of vanilla cheesecake, and baked to creamy perfection. And the layers look absolutely stunning when you cut it into slices.
While making any cheesecake is a little time consuming, this recipe is quite straightforward and easy. If you’re new to keto baking, brownie cheesecake is a great place to start.
It freezes well, too, so you can practice portion control. And it has only 3.3g net carbs per serving. Yay!!!
Reader Testimonials
The keto brownie cheesecake is the absolute bomb!!!! Love the fudgy brownie base with the cheesecake top….. I think this is my favorite Keto dessert of all time! — Joanne
This was the first keto bakery by recipe I ever made, and it was instrumental in making me realize I really could do the keto lifestyle. Have made it many times since then with no disappointments along the way. My non-keto friends have been served this wonderful brownie cheesecake and loved it. Absolutely the best recipe Carolyn has created… in my humble opinion. Oh, yeah, it freezes well, too. — Marcia
NO DESSERT COULD TOP THIS. By far the BEST cheesecake I have ever had. Its mind-blowingly good. Nothing pairs better than a classic brownie cake with a rich cheesecake. OMG. I want moreeee. What would I do without you Carolyn? Your recipes are always a SUCCESS. Love you and your work. — Mandy
Ingredients you need
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- Butter: Use unsalted butter for best results.
- Almond flour: Make sure you are using finely ground almond flour for a fudgy brownie consistency. To make this nut-free, you can swap out with sunflower seed flour in the same quantity.
- Cocoa powder: I prefer Dutch process cocoa powder as it has a deeper, richer chocolate flavor. I try to use really quality brands like Rodelle or Ghirardelli because it bakes better. I don’t recommend raw cacao powder, as it doesn’t dissolve well into the wet ingredients.
- Eggs: Large eggs are the standard for baking.
- Swerve Sweetener: I recommend Swerve or another erythritol-based sweetener for this recipe. Using another sweetener will change the texture and consistency. Learn more about keto sweeteners here.
- Chopped nuts: This is optional, but I like to add some chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie layer.
- Cream cheese: Use full fat cream cheese as low-fat contains fillers that high in carbohydrates.
- Heavy cream: A little heavy cream helps thin out the cheesecake layer and make it even creamier. You can also use sour cream.
- Pantry staples: Salt and vanilla extract
Step-by-step directions
1. Make the brownie base: In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, sweetener, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt and whisk until well combined. Thin the batter with a little water, if necessary.
2. Bake the brownies: Spread in a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake 15 to 20 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still a little wet and soft. Let cool.
3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese for two minutes, until very smooth. Beat in the sweetener until well combined. Then add the eggs, cream, and vanilla and beat until just combined.
4. Bake the cheesecake: Pour the filling over crust and spread evenly. Bake until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when shaken, 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
5. Let cool completely: Let the cheesecake come to room temperature, then run a knife around edges to loosen and remove the sides of pan.
6. Refrigerate: Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate until completely set, at least 3 hours.
Expert tips and FAQs
Don’t over cook the brownie base: You don’t want the brownie base to be too firm after the first time it is baked, because it will dry out more. It should be semi-cooked, since you will be baking it a second time with the cheesecake filling.
A little jiggle is a good thing. You know your cheesecake is done when it’s mostly set but the center still jiggles slightly when you shake the pan. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
Don’t rush the chill time: Properly chilled cheesecake is worth the wait! It will have much better taste and texture if you allow it to chill the full 3 hours.
Nut-Free Option: Replace the almond flour with sunflower seed flour and skip the chopped nuts.
This keto brownie cheesecake recipe has 5.2g of carbs and 1.9g of fiber. Thus it has a net carb count of 3.3g
Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or place it in a resealable container. It can last in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze the entire cake or individual slices. As always, wrap it up tightly to avoid freezer burn. It will be good for at least 2 months.
Coconut flour behaves very differently from almond flour, and several other adjustments must be made to accommodate this. However, you can try using my Coconut Flour Brownies recipe for the base.
Serving suggestions
Keto Brownie Cheesecake tastes delicious as is, but you can also add some tasty toppings. Here are a few fun ideas:
- Keto Chocolate Sauce: You can make my homemade version, or try the new Keto Fudge Sauce from ChocZero. (Use FOODDREAMER for 10% off all ChocZero products).
- Make it a caramel brownie cheesecake by drizzling on some of my delectable Keto Caramel Sauce.
- Top with fresh berries or swirl in some sugar-free raspberry sauce.
- Add some keto-friendly chocolate sprinkles.
Keto Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- ½ cup butter melted
- ⅔ cup Swerve Granular
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup almond flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 to 2 tablespoon water
- ⅓ cup walnuts or pecans chopped
Cheesecake Filling:
- 12 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup Swerve Sweetener
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For the brownie base:
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF and butter a 9-inch springform pan. If your springform pan is prone to leaking, place it on a cookie sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the butter, sweetener, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in a little water at a time to thin the batter to a thick but pourable consistency. Stir in the chopped nuts, if using.
- Spread evenly over bottom of prepared pan. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until set around edges but still soft in the center. Let cool 15 to 20 minutes.
For the filling:
- Reduce the oven temperature to 300F.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese for two minutes, until very smooth. Beat in the sweetener until well combined. Then add the eggs, cream, and vanilla and beat until just combined.
- Pour the filling over crust and spread evenly. Bake until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly when shaken, 35 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Run a knife around edges to loosen and then remove the sides of pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 3 hours.
Vicki @ WITK says
I love Kerrygold butter too, it’s so… buttery! This cheesecake/brownie thing looks amazing, I would gladly take some off of your hands!
Virginie says
Carolyn, a “cookbook called 12 Tablespoons of Butter”….yes, yes! Great challenge. We, French people believe in butter – yum! 🙂 You are awesome… I am ob.sessed with your great blog!
Carolyn says
Ah, my family is French Canadian way back, perhaps that’s where I get my love of all things butter 😉
Wenda says
Can’t wait to try this recipe… Yours are the best!! I love butter too, my girls used to say I made them butter sandwiches….
Beverly says
Oh my! This will be the perfect birthday treat for my husband! Thanks so much!
claire @ the realistic nutritionist says
This is GORGEOUS!!!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective says
So decadent…. I wounldn’t be able to resist!
Carolyn says
No, you wouldn’t 😉
Jen @ Savory Simple says
I am so intrigued by this recipe! Low carb? It sounds too good to be true!
Ivonne Carlo says
BAM! I just died… this is so awesome I need to make it STAT heheh Thank you Kerrygold! 😉
Medeja says
2 best desserts in one! Sounds and looks so wonderful!
Jeanette says
Low carb and Brownie Cheesecake in the same sentence?! Only you would be so talented to figure this one out.
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
I’ve been looking into alternate sweeteners and will definitely have to give this one a try! This gorgeous cheesecake looks irresistible, and I love that it’s low-carb too!
RavieNomNoms says
I couldn’t live without butter. It is amazing 🙂
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
WOW AMAZING that this gluten free!
Tamra says
This looks amazing, you go girl!!
Chris says
So, if I were to make these in my mini cheesecake pan, any suggestions on baking time adjustments? I didn’t know there was such a thing as a mini cheesecake pan until I saw it on your blog. It’s now one of my favorite pans!
Carolyn says
Oh boy, I am not sure exactly. For one thing, I think there would be too much base AND filling for those mini cheesecake pans, if it’s like mine (12 holes, all about two bites worth?). If so, then cut the whole recipe in half. Bake the crust for half the time. Then bake the filling for 10 minutes and check it every 3 minutes or so after that. I don’t think the filling will take any longer than my Mini Pumpkin cheesecakes, so maybe follow the timing for that?
Chris says
Thanks! I’ll be making them for a family event this weekend. The mini cheesecakes always get a lot of oohs and aahs! Really enjoy your blog!
molly hershberger says
If you mean the 4 count pans set, this is the basic size recipe to use in those pans. I have had a set for years and love them for dividing amongst the family members!
Becky @ Becky's Place says
Oh boy. I’ve been craving brownies for the past few weeks. (Even though I did indulge in some sugar sweetened ones on Valentine’s Day.) Think it’s time to make a treat for my diabetic mother and self.
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
If your 12 tablespoons of butter cookbook includes things like this I say go for it! Yum
Brian @ A Thought For Food says
Did you know that I’m obsessed with cheesecake… OB-SESSED! I’ll take it in any form, but, yeah, brownies may be the best.
Judy@lifeonthefoodchain.com says
Good thing I have to leave for work soon, or I’d be heading out for cream cheese. Have everything else… you and your blog are dangerous, Carolyn!
Katharine says
This looks so delicious!!!! Drooling as I drink my morning coffee.
Maribel says
This looks amazing! What’s the calorie count? Thanks!
Carolyn says
No idea, but there are plenty of online resources that would calculate that for you.
Leslie says
What sites would be able to do the calculations? I can’t log it in my app without calories and fat grams! Help? Please?
Carolyn says
I use software that I purchased for my computer, so I don’t use those websites. But most people use My Fitness Pal.
Leslie says
Thank you! I will try that. ☺
Bethany says
What size springform pan?
Carolyn says
Standard 9 inch.
Linda says
381 calories. It’s in the chart
Melanie Feuerman says
hello I was going to attempt to make this recipe for thanksgiving, and just realized my spring form pan is 9.75 in, Do I need to make extra for this pan and what would that be? Thank you.
Carolyn says
No need to make extra, simply watch it during baking so it doesn’t over-bake.
Julia says
Hi Carolyn, this cake is amazing! Made it on Saturday, my first low carb recipe and it looks just like yours and tastes wonderful. How long can it last when refrigerated from your experience? Could it also be freezed? Many thanks, Julia
Carolyn says
It can last in the fridge for up to a week. I’ve never tried freezing it but I think it would do okay.
Cindy Cowles says
Freezes wonderfully. Very good recipe.
Carolyn says
Well that’s good to know!