Irresistible Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack Brownies: A Decadent Recipe for Chocolate Lovers
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey with our Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack Brownies. This isn’t just another brownie recipe; it’s an elevated dessert experience designed to captivate even the most discerning chocolate connoisseurs. Imagine a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base, generously layered with a velvety malted chocolate cheesecake, and then crowned with a luscious chocolate malt frosting. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. If you thought the original Oreo Stack Brownie was decadent, brace yourself, because this latest variation takes indulgence to an entirely new level, pushing the boundaries of what a brownie can be.
While some might prefer the classic, un-malted cheesecake version, this malted iteration offers a delightful twist that adds depth and complexity to an already beloved dessert. The secret to its unique flavor lies in a special malt-infused cream, a technique adapted from Carol Bloom. This method involves gently heating heavy cream with malted milk powder, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully before straining to achieve a perfectly smooth, intensely malty cream. This exquisite ingredient is then skillfully incorporated into both the creamy cheesecake filling and the rich frosting, ensuring that every bite delivers an authentic and satisfying malted chocolate experience. It’s a fun and sophisticated variation that’s sure to impress.
The Art of the Stack: Layers of Indulgence
The beauty of the Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack Brownie lies in its thoughtfully constructed layers, each contributing to an unforgettable taste sensation. Building on the foundation of a perfectly fudgy brownie, this recipe introduces a harmonious blend of creamy, malty, and rich chocolate elements that elevate it from a simple treat to a show-stopping dessert. The “stack” concept allows for a delightful interplay of textures – the dense chewiness of the brownie, the smooth coolness of the cheesecake, and the soft fluffiness of the frosting – creating a multifaceted experience with every forkful.
The Fudgy Brownie Base: A Foundation of Chocolate Perfection
Every great stack brownie begins with an exceptional base, and ours is a rich, intensely chocolatey fudge brownie. This isn’t just any brownie; it’s crafted to be dense, moist, and chewy around the edges with a gooey center, providing the perfect counterpoint to the creamy layers above. The judicious use of both Dutch-processed and natural cocoa powders ensures a complex chocolate flavor that’s deep and satisfying without being overly sweet. The slight warmth imparted to the sugar by the melted butter and cocoa powder creates that coveted crackly top and ultra-fudgy texture that brownie aficionados adore. This sturdy yet tender base is crucial for supporting the decadent cheesecake and frosting layers.
The Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: A Creamy Revelation
Nestled atop the fudgy brownie is a luxurious layer of malted chocolate cheesecake. This filling strikes a magnificent balance between the tangy creaminess of cheesecake and the comforting, subtly sweet notes of malted chocolate. Softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, melted dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla are meticulously blended to create a smooth, rich mixture. The star, however, is the malt-infused cream, which lends an unmistakable malty depth that pairs exquisitely with the chocolate. But wait, there’s more! Chopped Double Stuff Oreos are folded into the cheesecake, adding an unexpected crunch and an extra burst of familiar cookie flavor, making this layer truly irresistible.
The Chocolate Malt Frosting: The Crown of Sweetness
No stack brownie is complete without a lavish topping, and our chocolate malt frosting is designed to impress. This creamy, dreamy frosting is made with softened unsalted butter, cocoa powder, and sifted confectioners’ sugar, all brought together with a generous amount of that special malt-infused cream. The malt cream not only provides moisture and smooth texture but also amplifies the distinctive malt flavor, tying all the components of the dessert together. The consistency of the frosting is carefully adjusted to be light and spreadable, allowing it to gracefully crown the cheesecake layer. To complete this masterpiece, additional chopped Double Stuff Oreos are sprinkled on top, offering a delightful visual appeal and another layer of textural interest.
The Glossy Ganache Drizzle: The Finishing Touch
As if the layers weren’t enough, a final drizzle of rich chocolate ganache adds a professional touch and an extra dimension of chocolate intensity. Made from heavy cream and either extra dark or semisweet chocolate chips, this glossy topping not only looks elegant but also enhances the overall chocolate experience. The ganache sets beautifully over the cold frosting, creating beautiful lines that entice you to take a bite. This thoughtful addition ensures that from top to bottom, every element of this Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack Brownie is designed for maximum flavor and visual appeal.
Mastering the Baking Process: Tips for Success
Creating these multi-layered masterpieces might seem intimidating, but with careful attention to detail, you’ll achieve perfect results. The key to a successful stack brownie lies in understanding each component and how they interact during preparation and baking.
Preparing the Malted Cream: Infusion Perfection
The malt-infused cream is fundamental to this recipe’s unique flavor. Begin by combining heavy cream and malted milk powder in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture gently until it just begins to simmer, then remove it from the heat. It’s crucial not to boil the cream aggressively, as this can scorch the milk powder. Allow it to stand for at least 20 minutes; this resting period is essential for the malt flavor to fully infuse into the cream. Finally, pour the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any undissolved malt powder, ensuring a silky-smooth, intensely flavored malt cream ready for use in both your cheesecake and frosting.
Crafting the Cheesecake Layer: Smooth and Creamy
For the cheesecake layer, ensure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, uniform texture when beaten with the sugar. Incorporate the melted chocolate chips and vanilla extract until well combined, then gently stir in the room-temperature egg and sour cream. Using room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake helps prevent cracking during baking and ensures a custard-like consistency. Finally, fold in the prepped malt-infused cream and the chopped Double Stuff Oreos, adding both flavor and delightful texture.
Mixing the Brownie Batter: The Fudgy Secret
The brownie batter requires a specific technique to achieve that signature fudgy texture. Melt the butter in a nonstick saucepan, then stir in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder. Reduce the heat to low and stir gently for about 30 seconds to slightly warm the sugar. This step is a game-changer; it helps the sugar dissolve partially, contributing to the brownie’s dense, chewy, and fudgy consistency. Turn off the heat and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen. Incorporate the salt and vanilla, then add the cold large eggs, whisking just until they are fully mixed in. The cold eggs help create a chewier brownie. Finally, stir in the flour and baking powder mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can lead to dry, cakey brownies.
Assembling the Layers: A Gentle Touch
Assembly is a delicate dance. Spread about half of the brownie batter evenly over the bottom of your prepared pan. Next, drop small dollops of the malted cheesecake filling over the brownie layer. This method makes it easier to gently spread the cheesecake without disturbing the brownie base. Repeat this process with the remaining brownie batter, dropping dollops over the cheesecake and carefully spreading to cover. Don’t worry if a few spots aren’t perfectly covered; the rich chocolate malt frosting will beautifully conceal any imperfections.
Baking and Cooling: Patience is Key
Bake the brownies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, which can dry out the brownies. The most crucial step after baking is to allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost them. Warm brownies will melt the frosting and create a mess. Once completely cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill thoroughly. Chilling makes slicing much cleaner and enhances the texture of both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
Frosting and Finishing: Decorative Delights
For the chocolate malt frosting, ensure your butter is well softened. Beat it until creamy, then gradually add the cocoa powder and sifted confectioners’ sugar, scraping down the sides of the bowl frequently. The frosting will be crumbly at first. Begin adding the malt-infused cream, one tablespoon at a time, beating until the frosting becomes smooth, light, and perfectly spreadable. Spread this luxurious frosting evenly over the chilled brownies. For an extra flourish, chop up additional Double Stuff Oreos and scatter them over the frosted top. While you prepare the ganache, return the frosted brownies to the refrigerator to chill further.
The Ganache: A Glossy Grand Finale
To make the ganache, microwave heavy cream in a safe bowl until it just begins to boil, typically around 30 seconds. Immediately add the chocolate chips and stir until they are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Transfer the ganache to a heavy-duty zipper bag, snip a tiny hole in one corner, and drizzle artistic lines over the cold bars. Break up any remaining Double Stuff Oreos and press them into the ganache for a final garnish. Return the brownies to the refrigerator to allow the ganache to set, ensuring a firm, beautiful finish. Store these magnificent Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack Brownies in the refrigerator for optimal freshness and texture.
Recipe
Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Malted Cream
- 6 tablespoons of heavy cream
- ⅓ cup of malted milk powder
Malt Cheesecake
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 ½ ounces melted dark chocolate chips rounded half cup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream room temperature
- 2 tablespoons malt infused cream from above
- 3 Double Stuff Oreos
Brownie Batter
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder half Dutch, half natural
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cold large eggs
- ½ cup 2.3 ounces all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
Chocolate Malt Frosting
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ⅓ cups sifted confectioners’ sugar use more or less as desired
- 3-4 tablespoons malt infused cream from above
- 5 Double Stuff Oreos
Ganache
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup extra dark or semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
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Malted Cream: Combine the cream and malted milk powder in a small saucepan and heat just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let stand for 20 minutes, then pour the cream through a sieve to make a malt infused cream.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8 inch square metal pan with nonstick foil.
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In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the melted chocolate chips and vanilla extract, then stir in the egg, sour cream and 2 tablespoons of the malt infused cream. Chop up the Double Stuff Oreos and add to cream cheese mixture. Set aside.
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Make the brownie batter. Melt the butter in a 2 or 3 quart nonstick saucepan. Stir in the sugar and the cocoa powder. Reduce heat to low and stir gently for about 30 seconds to warm the sugar. Turn off the heat and let the sugar mixture sit for 5 minutes. Stir in the salt and vanilla. Add the cold eggs, whisking or stirring just until mixed, then mix the flour and baking powder together in a little cup and stir them into the batter. Spread about half the batter evenly over the bottom of the pan.
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Spread the filling over the batter by dropping it on in little dollops and gently spreading. Drop dollops of remaining brownie batter over the filling, spreading gently to cover. It’s okay if you miss a few spots because the top will be covered with frosting.
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Pour into the pan and bake for 25 minutes or until brownies appear set. Let cool completely in the pan. When cool, transfer to the refrigerator to chill.
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Make frosting. Beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add cocoa powder and confectioners’ sugar, scraping sides and beating until well mixed, but still lumpy. Add a little (about 1 tablespoon) of the malted cream and beat until smooth, then beat in vanilla. Continue adding malted cream mixture 1 tablespoon at a time until vanilla is light and spreadable. Spread over brownies. Chop up the Double Stuff and scatter over top. Chill while making the ganache.
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Make the ganache. In a microwave safe bowl or large Pyrex measuring cup, microwave the cream for 30 seconds or just until it starts to boil. Add the chips and stir until the chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Transfer to a heavy duty zipper bag. Cut a tiny hole in the corner of the bag and squeeze lines of ganache over the cold bars. Break up remaining Double Stuff and press them into the top for garnish. Return to the refrigerator to set the ganache. Store in the refrigerator
Notes
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Once your Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack Brownies are fully chilled and the ganache is set, they are ready to be enjoyed! For the best experience, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. This will soften the brownie and cheesecake layers slightly, enhancing their texture and flavor. These brownies are incredibly rich, making them perfect for special occasions, dessert platters, or simply as an indulgent treat with your afternoon coffee or a cold glass of milk. You can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an even more luxurious dessert.
Due to the cheesecake and dairy-based frosting, these brownies must be stored in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge. Properly stored, they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving. These brownies also make a fantastic homemade gift for friends, family, or colleagues who appreciate gourmet baked goods. Simply package them in an elegant box with a ribbon, and you have a truly thoughtful and delicious present.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress, these Malted Chocolate Cheesecake Stack Brownies are sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Their intricate layers of fudgy brownie, creamy malted chocolate cheesecake, and fluffy malt frosting create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more. Dive into this ultimate chocolate experience and elevate your dessert game to extraordinary heights!