Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups. These beauties combine the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a creamy, slightly tangy mint cheesecake swirl — all baked into irresistible handheld treats. The refreshing burst of peppermint perfectly balances the chocolate, making each bite incredible. Whether you’re planning a festive party or simply craving something a little extra special, Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups are charming little crowd-pleasers that just happen to be ridiculously easy, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of this recipe, but each ingredient brings its own special touch — from the cool peppermint to the creamy cheesecake to that unmistakably chocolatey base. Here’s what you’ll need to make these Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups shine.
- Brownie mix (1 box, plus ingredients to prepare): Grab your favorite mix — fudgy works best! The rich, chocolatey base forms the perfect foundation for these cups.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Let it come to room temperature so it blends smooth and creamy into the cheesecake filling.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Just enough to sweeten the cheesecake without overpowering the mint or chocolate.
- Peppermint extract (1/2 teaspoon): The secret weapon! A little goes a long way to add cool, refreshing flavor.
- Egg (1): Binds the cheesecake layer and helps it set up perfectly in the oven.
- Green food coloring (1–2 drops, optional): For that classic minty hue — totally optional, but who can resist the festive color?
- Mini chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints (1/2 cup): Melty chocolate pockets and minty morsels make every bite a little celebration.
- Crushed mint candies or extra chocolate (optional, for topping): Sprinkle on top for a dazzling finish and a pop of extra mint or chocolate, if you like.
How to Make Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups
Step 1: Prep Your Muffin Tin
Preheat your oven to 350°F and get your muffin tin ready by lining it with paper liners or lightly greasing each cup. This not only keeps the Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups neat and tidy, but also makes for easy removal later (and less cleanup — can we get a cheer for that?).
Step 2: Mix and Layer the Brownie Base
Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. Spoon about a tablespoon of batter into the bottom of each muffin cup — just enough to generously cover the bottom. This thin layer of chewy chocolate is about to get the ultimate upgrade.
Step 3: Make the Mint Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until perfectly smooth and creamy. Add in the egg, peppermint extract, and those optional drops of green food coloring if you want a vibrant, minty look. Mix just until everything is nicely combined. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints, being careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Divide the mint cheesecake mixture evenly among the muffin cups, spooning it right on top of the brownie batter. Each cup should be filled about 3/4 of the way. Slide your tin into the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the brownie base is cooked through. Your kitchen will smell like chocolatey-mint heaven!
Step 5: Cool and Chill
Once baked, allow the Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups to cool completely in the pan. Then pop them into the fridge for at least an hour — this step helps the cheesecake layer set up beautifully and makes the whole thing easier to eat. Don’t skip the chill; it’s worth the wait!
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Right before serving, add a sprinkle of crushed mint candies or extra chocolate chips for a little flair and even more flavor. Now dig in! Each cup delivers a perfect bite of minty, chocolatey, creamy bliss.
How to Serve Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups
Garnishes
A little garnish can turn your Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups from treat to showstopper. Try a dusting of crushed mint candies for sparkle, a few extra mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of melted chocolate for that bakery-finish look. If you’re feeling extra, add a delicate swirl of whipped cream and a sprig of fresh mint on top — both gorgeous and delicious.
Side Dishes
Since these cups are pretty rich, keep your accompaniments simple and fresh. A platter of mixed berries or sliced strawberries adds a pop of color and tartness to balance the sweet, or pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a fun dessert duo. Hot coffee or a big glass of cold milk round out the whole experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups are already adorable, but you can make them extra special for a party spread. Arrange the cups on a tiered dessert stand or plate them individually on small saucers with a sprig of mint and a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For a holiday vibe, place each cup in a festive cupcake liner or top with colored sprinkles for added charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers (though good luck having any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The cheesecake layer stays creamy and the brownie base remains wonderfully chewy, so you’ll have perfect Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups on hand for a sweet snack whenever the craving strikes.
Freezing
Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups freeze like a dream. Let them cool completely and chill as directed, then wrap each cup individually in plastic wrap or foil and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. To serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge — easy peasy!
Reheating
There’s no real need to reheat these since they’re best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer a slightly softer texture, let a cup sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before biting in. If you want the chocolate extra melty, a super-quick 5–10 second zap in the microwave will do the trick (just remove any paper liners first!).
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?
Absolutely! Your favorite from-scratch brownie recipe will work beautifully as the base. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as homemade brownies might bake a bit differently than boxed mixes.
Do I have to use food coloring?
Nope, it’s totally optional. The green food coloring just gives these Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups a fun, minty appearance. If you prefer a natural look, feel free to skip it — the flavor will still be delicious.
My cheesecake layer cracked a little — is that okay?
No worries at all! Minor cracks won’t affect the taste or texture. If you want a perfectly smooth top, be sure not to overbake and let the cups cool gradually. Plus, garnishes like whipped cream or chocolate drizzle are great for covering any imperfections!
Can I make Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, their make-ahead friendliness is one of their best features. Bake, chill, and store these in the fridge up to a day or two before your event, and they’ll be just as tasty (maybe even better as the flavors have time to mingle).
What’s the best way to cut down on the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, use a dark chocolate brownie mix, cut back a bit on the sugar in the cheesecake filling, or choose bittersweet chocolate chips. You can also leave off extra candy or chocolate toppings for a more understated treat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups — every bite is pure joy, with that perfect balance of cool mint and decadent chocolate. Whether you’re sharing them at a celebration or treating yourself to something a little extra special, these mini cheesecakes are bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!
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Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 cheesecake cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich brownies and creamy cheesecake with a refreshing hint of mint in these Mint Brownie Cheesecake Cups. These individual treats are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients to prepare)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 egg
- 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped Andes mints
Toppings:
- Crushed mint candies or extra chocolate for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a muffin tin with liners or by greasing lightly.
- Prepare Brownie Base: Mix brownie batter according to package instructions. Spoon 1 tablespoon into each muffin cup.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon cheesecake mixture over brownie batter. Bake for 18–22 minutes until set. Cool, then chill for at least 1 hour.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with crushed mint candies or extra chocolate before serving.
Notes
- For a homemade brownie base, substitute your favorite from-scratch recipe.
- These keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
