Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Mashup


Let us talk about the dessert of your dreams: Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake. It is rich, fudgy, and so full of nostalgia that if you were raised on Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies, you already feel the vibe. Thick, chewy brownie base: check. Dense, chocolatey glaze: check. Those rainbow sprinkles?

Now, imagine all that baked into a creamy, chocolate-packed cheesecake. Yeah, it’s that good.

A slice of cosmic brownie cheesecake with colorful sprinkles on top and a forkful taken.

I’ll walk you through how to make it, why it works, and some pro tips to keep things foolproof. Plus, I’ll answer a few questions because, let’s be real, cheesecake can be tricky. But don’t worry—I got you.


Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Brownie Base – Not just any brownie, a thick, fudgy one inspired by Cosmic Brownies. It’s chewy, rich, and holds up under the cheesecake layer.
  • Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake – Think of the silkiest, most chocolate-packed cheesecake ever. That’s what we’re working with.
  • Ganache Topping – Because more chocolate is always a good idea.
  • Cosmic Brownie Vibes – The final touch? Those tiny rainbow sprinkles. They bring all the childhood nostalgia but in a fancy, homemade way.

Close-up of a slice of cosmic brownie cheesecake with colorful sprinkles on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownie Base:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz melted semi-sweet chocolate

For the Chocolate Ganache:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For That Cosmic Brownie Magic:

  • 1/4 cup mini rainbow candy-coated chips (or rainbow sprinkles)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Brownie Base

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Take a bowl. Put in your melted butter and your sugar. Beat in your eggs and vanilla till the mixture is smooth.
  3. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until combined (don’t overmix).
  4. Pour into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 15-18 minutes. It should be slightly underbaked—trust me, it’ll finish in the oven later.

Make the Cheesecake Batter

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add cocoa powder, eggs (one at a time), vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until combined.
  3. Pour in melted chocolate and stir until the batter is silky smooth.
  4. Pour over the brownie base and smooth the top.

Bake It Right

  1. In aluminum foil wrap the outside of the springform pan (to prevent leaks).
  2. Place the cheesecake in a water bath—put the pan inside a larger baking dish and pour in hot water (about halfway up the sides).
  3. Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will be a little jiggly.
  4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it sit for 1 hour. This keeps it from cracking.
  5. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Add the Ganache & Cosmic Vibes

  1. Heat heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling). Now the chopped chocolate is poured over it in order to be stirred until it is properly combined.
  2. Pour over the cheesecake, smoothing it out.
  3. Sprinkle those classic rainbow candy chips on top for that true Cosmic Brownie look.

💡

Tips for the Best Cheesecake

  • Room temp ingredients – Cold cream cheese = lumpy batter. Let everything sit out for 30 minutes before mixing.
  • Don’t overmix – Too much air in the batter can make it crack. Just mix until combined.
  • Water bath matters – Yes, it’s annoying, but it keeps the cheesecake creamy and crack-free.
  • Patience is key – Cheesecake tastes better the next day. Let it chill overnight if you can.

How to Serve It

This cheesecake is rich—like, “one slice is enough but also not really” rich. Serve cold with a glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just straight out of the refrigerator on the same day should you crave chocolate.

And if you wanna go all out? Drizzle some caramel or hot fudge on top. I mean, why not?

A slice of cosmic brownie cheesecake with colorful sprinkles on top and a forkful taken.

Why Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake is a Game-Changer

Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake isn’t just another dessert—it’s a nostalgic, over-the-top treat that blends two classics into one. If you’ve ever craved a rich, fudgy brownie but also wanted the creamy, decadent texture of cheesecake, this is your dream dessert. It’s got that chewy-meets-smooth contrast that makes every bite ridiculously satisfying.

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make. Sure, cheesecakes have a bit of a reputation for being tricky, but when you break it down into simple steps—brownie base, cheesecake filling, ganache topping—it’s really just layering chocolatey goodness.


The Secret Behind That Cosmic Brownie Flavor

Let’s be real—there’s something special about Cosmic Brownies. They’re not just any brownies; they have that dense, fudgy texture and slightly chewy bite that makes them different from regular homemade brownies. To recreate that in this Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake, the brownie base has to be rich, a little underbaked, and full of deep chocolate flavor.

A key trick? Use melted butter and real cocoa powder for that classic Cosmic Brownie richness. If you want to go full nostalgia mode, you can add a layer of chocolate frosting on the brownie before pouring in the cheesecake batter. It gives you that soft, almost candy-like bite that Cosmic Brownies are known for.

Close-up of a cosmic brownie cheesecake slice with colorful sprinkles on top.

What Makes This Cheesecake Texture So Good?

A lot of chocolate cheesecakes can be too dense or too dry, but not this one. The secret? A mix of heavy cream and the sour cream. The sour cream keeps it tangy and smooth, while the heavy cream makes it silky and rich. And of course, using melted chocolate in the batter instead of just cocoa powder gives it that deep, chocolatey bite that melts in your mouth.

Another trick? Low and slow baking. High heat will make cheesecake crack or dry out. Keeping it at 325°F and using a water bath keeps it creamy and soft—just like the perfect cheesecake should be.


The Finishing Touch: Those Classic Rainbow Sprinkles

Would it really be a Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake without the rainbow candy-coated sprinkles? No way. These tiny, colorful toppings aren’t just for looks—they add that subtle crunch and a bit of sweetness that makes the whole thing feel just like the brownies we all loved as kids.

If you can’t find the exact same candy-coated chips, don’t worry. Rainbow nonpareils or mini M&Ms work just as well! The goal is to bring in that fun, nostalgic look that makes this dessert so recognizable.


How to Make Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake Even More Over-the-Top

Okay, so let’s say you really want to go all in on the Cosmic Brownie theme. Here are some extra ways to take this cheesecake to the next level:

Double the brownie layer – Instead of just one layer at the bottom, pour half the cheesecake batter in, add another thin layer of brownie, then top with the rest of the cheesecake batter. More brownie = more nostalgia.

Add caramel or peanut butter drizzle – Chocolate and caramel? A dream team. Or, if you’re a peanut butter lover, trickle on some smooth peanut butter before you pour over the ganache.

Make it a no-bake version – If you don’t feel like baking a cheesecake, swap the cheesecake layer for a no-bake chocolate cheesecake filling (made with cream cheese, melted chocolate, and whipped cream). It’s just as rich but even easier.


Other Cosmic Brownie-Inspired Desserts

Once you’ve made this Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake, you might find yourself wondering… what else can I turn into a Cosmic Brownie dessert? Good news—there are plenty of ways to keep the chocolatey, sprinkle-covered fun going:

  • Cosmic Brownie Ice Cream – Blend chopped Cosmic Brownies into chocolate ice cream for the ultimate mix-in.
  • Cosmic Brownie Milkshake – Blend a brownie slice with vanilla ice cream, milk, and a splash of chocolate syrup for a thick, rich shake.
  • Cosmic Brownie Cookies – Soft, fudgy cookies topped with a chocolate glaze and those signature rainbow sprinkles.
  • Cosmic Brownie Cupcakes – Chocolate cupcakes filled with a brownie center and topped with a thick layer of chocolate ganache.
  • Sweet Potato Brownies – If you’re looking for a healthier twist on brownies, check out these Sweet Potato Brownies—they’re just as rich and fudgy but packed with extra nutrients!

FAQs About Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake

What is a Cosmic Brownie?

A Cosmic Brownie is a fudgy, chewy chocolate brownie topped with a smooth layer of chocolate frosting and rainbow candy-coated sprinkles. It’s one of the most famous treats from Little Debbie, and if you grew up in the ’90s or early 200s you most likely had one in your lunchbox at some point. These brownies have a dense, almost candy-like texture, making them different from traditional homemade brownies. They’re rich, sweet, and packed with nostalgia—which is why they inspire desserts like Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake!

Have Cosmic Brownies Been Discontinued?

Nope! Cosmic Brownies are still available and can be found in most grocery stores across the U.S. However, some people feel that they don’t taste the same as they used to. Over the years, there have been slight recipe changes, leading some fans to say they’re less chewy and fudgy than before. But don’t worry—if you ever want that classic Cosmic Brownie taste, you can make a homemade version or turn them into a cheesecake like this one!

Why Are Cosmic Brownies So Good?

There’s something special about a Cosmic Brownie, and it’s not just the rainbow sprinkles. Here’s why they hit different:
Dense & Fudgy Texture – Unlike cakey brownies, these have a chewy, almost candy-like bite.
Rich Chocolate Frosting – That thick, smooth chocolate layer on top makes them extra indulgent.
Nostalgia Factor – Let’s be real—biting into one of these instantly takes you back to childhood.
Perfectly Sweet – They’re not too bitter, not too rich, just the right amount of sweet.
Those Classic Rainbow Sprinkles – They don’t just look fun; they add a tiny bit of crunch that makes each bite better.

How Many Calories Are in a Cosmic Brownie?

A single Cosmic Brownie (one individually wrapped piece) contains about 290 calories. Here’s the full breakdown per serving:
Calories: ~290
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4.5g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Sugar: 32g
Protein: 2g
So yeah, they’re definitely a treat—but that’s what makes them so good! If you’re making a Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake, just know you’re doubling up on the chocolatey goodness. And honestly? Worth every bite.


Final Thoughts

If you love chocolate, brownies, and cheesecake, this Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake is your new obsession. It’s creamy, fudgy, and straight-up addicting. The best part? It looks fancy but is totally doable at home.

Make it for a party, a birthday, or honestly, just because. And when you do, tag me—I wanna see those rainbow-sprinkled masterpieces!

Now, who’s ready to bake?

Print

Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Dessert Mashup

Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake. It is rich, fudgy, and so full of nostalgia that if you were raised on Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies, you already feel the vibe.

  • Author: Amélie
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • cooling & chilling: 6 hours
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 7 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 slices 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Base:

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

    • 1 cup granulated sugar

    • 2 large eggs

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

    • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

    • 1/4 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

    • 16 oz cream cheese, softened

    • 1 cup granulated sugar

    • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

    • 2 large eggs

    • 1 tsp vanilla extract

    • 1/2 cup sour cream

    • 1/2 cup heavy cream

    • 4 oz melted semi-sweet chocolate

For the Chocolate Ganache:

    • 1/2 cup heavy cream

    • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

For That Cosmic Brownie Magic:

    • 1/4 cup mini rainbow candy-coated chips (or rainbow sprinkles)

Instructions

Make the Brownie Base

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Take a bowl. Put in your melted butter and your sugar. Beat in your eggs and vanilla till the mixture is smooth.
  3. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Mix until combined (don’t overmix).
  4. Pour into the pan, spread evenly, and bake for 15-18 minutes. It should be slightly underbaked—trust me, it’ll finish in the oven later.

Make the Cheesecake Batter

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add cocoa powder, eggs (one at a time), vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix until combined.
  3. Pour in melted chocolate and stir until the batter is silky smooth.
  4. Pour over the brownie base and smooth the top.

Bake It Right

  1. In aluminum foil wrap the outside of the springform pan (to prevent leaks).
  2. Place the cheesecake in a water bath—put the pan inside a larger baking dish and pour in hot water (about halfway up the sides).
  3. Bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will be a little jiggly.
  4. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let it sit for 1 hour. This keeps it from cracking.
  5. Chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Add the Ganache & Cosmic Vibes

  1. Heat heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling). Now the chopped chocolate is poured over it in order to be stirred until it is properly combined.
  2. Pour over the cheesecake, smoothing it out.
  3. Sprinkle those classic rainbow candy chips on top for that true Cosmic Brownie look.

Notes

Room temp ingredients – Cold cream cheese = lumpy batter. Let everything sit out for 30 minutes before mixing.

Don’t overmix – Too much air in the batter can make it crack. Just mix until combined.

Water bath matters – Yes, it’s annoying, but it keeps the cheesecake creamy and crack-free.

Patience is key – Cheesecake tastes better the next day. Let it chill overnight if you can.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: ~450
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Protein: 6g

Keywords: Cosmic Brownie Cheesecake, Cosmic Brownie dessert

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