This recipe is my go-to for when I need a dessert that feels decadent, looks impressive, but requires almost zero technical skill. I first threw these together for a last-minute game night, using leftover brownies. As I mixed the sweetened cream cheese, the rich, chocolatey scent of the brownie crumbs filled my kitchen. Layering them in the cups felt like building edible treasure chests. Watching everyone’s eyes light up as they dug into their personal cup—through creamy cheesecake, fudgy brownie, and crunchy toppings—was pure joy. It’s the ultimate “more is more” dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it’s a gloriously easy, no-bake dessert that feels incredibly special. It combines two classic favorites—fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake—into a perfect, individual serving. It’s endlessly customizable, impossible to mess up, and the perfect way to use leftover brownies or cake. Whether you’re hosting a party, needing a quick treat, or just satisfying a serious chocolate craving, these cups are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that deliver maximum deliciousness with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fudgy brownies, crumbled (from about half a 9×13 pan or 4 large brownies)
- 1 ½ cups (12 oz) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup hot fudge sauce, slightly cooled
- Optional toppings: Mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, chopped nuts, sprinkles, caramel sauce
Let’s talk ingredients. The brownies are your foundation—use a dense, fudgy homemade or store-bought brownie. Cakey brownies will become too dry and crumbly. The cream cheese must be fully softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling; cold cream cheese will leave you with a chunky mess. Trust me, it makes a huge difference. The hot fudge sauce is my preferred layer because it’s thicker than chocolate syrup and sets up nicely when chilled, creating a distinct, gooey stratum. For the whipped cream, using the extra as a garnish adds a light, airy contrast to the rich layers.(See the next page below to continue…)