Cheesecake Brownies (WW Low-Point Recipe)

Brownies have long been a favorite treat for many, combining the richness of chocolate with the comforting density of baked goods. But when you’re following the Weight Watchers (WW) plan, enjoying indulgent desserts like brownies can sometimes feel like a distant dream. Enter the Cheesecake Brownie, a dessert that combines two classic favorites—cheesecake and brownies—into a single, heavenly treat that’s both decadent and WW-friendly.

This Cheesecake Brownie recipe is designed to provide all the richness and flavor you love, without packing on the extra SmartPoints. By making a few simple ingredient swaps and focusing on portion control, you can have your brownies without derailing your healthy eating plan. Whether you’re a WW member, a health-conscious eater, or simply someone who loves a good dessert, this low-point cheesecake brownie recipe will keep you satisfied and on track.

Not only are these brownies incredibly delicious, but they are also easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients, a little mixing, and some patience while they bake, you’ll have a batch of perfect cheesecake brownies that are as creamy as they are chocolatey. This version provides a lighter option to traditional cheesecake brownies without sacrificing the creamy texture or flavor.

Why This Cheesecake Brownie is WW-Friendly

When it comes to following the Weight Watchers program, many people find it difficult to balance indulgence with health-conscious choices. Traditional desserts like cheesecake brownies tend to be high in sugar, fat, and calories, which can quickly accumulate and deplete your daily SmartPoints. However, this low-point version of the cheesecake brownie is made with healthier swaps that keep the recipe delicious and indulgent without breaking your SmartPoints budget.

The key to the success of this recipe lies in using healthier ingredients such as Greek yogurt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and low-fat cream cheese, which maintain the creamy and indulgent taste of a cheesecake brownie without the excess calories and sugar. The result is a dessert that allows you to enjoy your sweet tooth without guilt or worry about derailing your goals.

Ingredients (Makes 12 Servings)

For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce (replaces oil or butter for a lower-fat version)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice, to keep the recipe dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (adds the rich chocolate flavor)
  • 1/2 cup (80 g) granulated erythritol (or another sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, to keep it low in sugar)
  • 2 large eggs (helps bind the ingredients and provide structure)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to balance out the sweetness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (helps the brownie layer rise)
  • 1 cup (120 g) oat flour (or whole wheat flour, to keep it gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) dark chocolate chips (optional, for added richness)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 8 oz (226 g) low-fat cream cheese (softened, for a creamy texture)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt (adds creaminess and protein)
  • 1/4 cup (60 g) granulated erythritol (or another preferred sweetener)
  • 1 large egg (for binding and structure)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps set the cheesecake layer)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cheesecake brownies bake at the right temperature and result in the perfect texture.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, unsweetened almond milk, and vanilla extract. Stir them together until they are fully mixed and smooth. The applesauce replaces butter or oil in traditional brownie recipes, which helps reduce the fat content without compromising on texture.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Into the same bowl, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and oat flour. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The oat flour provides a gluten-free option that works well in this recipe, ensuring that it maintains a moist and tender texture.
  4. Sweeten the Batter: Stir in erythritol or your preferred sugar substitute. This is the secret to keeping the dessert low in calories and SmartPoints while still achieving that sweet flavor. Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less sweetener depending on your preference.
  5. Fold in Chocolate Chips: If you like extra chocolatey brownies, fold in dark chocolate chips. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar and offers a richer, less sweet taste that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake layer.
  6. Pour into Pan: Pour the brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Spread it out evenly with a spatula, ensuring that the layer is smooth and even. Set aside while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

  1. Mix Cream Cheese and Yogurt: In a separate bowl, beat the softened low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth and creamy. The combination of cream cheese and Greek yogurt creates a tangy, creamy base for the cheesecake layer.
  2. Add Sweetener: Stir in erythritol or your choice of sweetener. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth. This sweetener helps keep the cheesecake layer creamy and sweet without adding unnecessary sugar.
  3. Add Egg and Cornstarch: Beat in the egg and cornstarch. The egg provides the necessary binding to hold the cheesecake layer together, while the cornstarch helps it set properly during baking.
  4. Pour over Brownie Layer: Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the cheesecake layer evenly across the surface of the brownies. It’s okay if the layers mix a little bit, as they’ll marble together slightly during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Brownies

  1. Bake the Brownies: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cheesecake layer should be set and lightly golden on top, while the brownie layer should be firm but soft and fudgy. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the brownies are ready.
  2. Cool the Brownies: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will help the layers firm up and make it easier to slice. After 10 minutes, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  3. Slice and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled completely, slice them into 12 equal portions. Each serving will be rich, creamy, and indulgent without going overboard on SmartPoints.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Each serving of these Cheesecake Brownies is low in calories, high in protein, and satisfies your chocolate cravings while keeping your WW SmartPoints in check. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (1/12 of the pan):

  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Total Fat: 6g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg
  • Sodium: 75mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 4g (natural sugars and sweeteners)
  • Protein: 5g
  • WW SmartPoints (Blue/Green/Yellow): 4 SmartPoints per serving

WW SmartPoints Breakdown:

  • Blue Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Green Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving
  • Purple Plan: 4 SmartPoints per serving

These Cheesecake Brownies are a perfect choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a decadent dessert while keeping their SmartPoints in check. With just 4 SmartPoints per serving, this is a great way to indulge in a treat without feeling guilty.

Why This Cheesecake Brownie Recipe Works for Weight Watchers:

  1. Low in SmartPoints: At just 4 SmartPoints per serving, this dessert fits well within the WW program, even if you’re following the Blue, Green, or Purple plans.
  2. High in Protein: The Greek yogurt and low-fat cream cheese add protein to the dessert, which helps keep you full and satisfied longer.
  3. Lower in Sugar and Fat: By using erythritol or other sugar substitutes, we’ve significantly reduced the sugar content, keeping it low in calories while still maintaining a sweet flavor.
  4. Filling and Satisfying: The combination of oat flour, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese creates a satisfying dessert that helps you manage your cravings without overindulging.

Additional Tips and Variations:

  • Use a Non-Dairy Cream Cheese: For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan cream cheese for the low-fat cream cheese and non-dairy yogurt for the Greek yogurt.
  • Add Nuts or Berries: For added flavor and texture, try folding in some chopped walnuts, almonds, or fresh raspberries into the brownie batter before baking.
  • Make It More Decadent: If you want to make the brownies even richer, add an extra layer of sugar-free chocolate chips to the top of the cheesecake layer before baking.

Conclusion

These Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone who wants to indulge in a creamy, chocolatey dessert while staying on track with their Weight Watchers goals. The recipe is easy to make, low in SmartPoints, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply enjoying them as an everyday treat, these cheesecake brownies will satisfy your cravings without sacrificing your healthy eating plan.

With just 4 SmartPoints per serving, these Cheesecake Brownies are a dessert you can enjoy guilt-free. Try them out, and you’ll see why they’re sure to become a new favorite in your WW-friendly dessert repertoire!