TWD: espresso cheesecake brownies (aka cheesenies or chownies)

I love brownies and I love cheesecake so a cheesecake brownie seems like a match made in heaven. We could rename these cheesenies or chownies for simplicity sake. (Let me know your favorite. I'm leaning toward cheesenies.) My dad used to buy me whole cheesecakes at Costco and I would eat a slice a night. I would usually eat the first 3/4 of the slice (my favorite part) and he would eat the last 1/4 (the crust part - his favorite part). My metabolism isn't quite what it used to be so I no longer have whole cheesecakes sitting in the freezer but I won't say no to a slice. Despite my love of cheesecake, I've never made one myself. I guess I've always been happy with what I can get from Costco or Trader Joe's. The cheesecake layer for this brownie was my first foray into cheesecake. I must say it isn't very difficult. I see the possibility of frozen cheesecakes in my future.

I didn't do the glaze on these brownies because one more dirty bowl was not appealing and they look pretty without the sour cream glaze. These didn't have a very strong coffee flavor which was nice for me as I'm not a huge fan but Pete, who is a huge fan, was a bit disappointed. Although these aren't a favorite for me and don't come close to the crownie they were still good and they have been disappearing from the fridge. Pete liked them. Dad liked them. Charlie thought they were alright (after he ate 5). Willa prefers her tarter control cookies. And if someone offered me one, I wouldn't say no.

Here are Willa and Charlie after enjoying their cheesenies. This is what happens if you eat five. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Thanks to Melissa of Life In a Peanut Shell for picking this week's recipe. Check out her blog for the recipe. Also head over to Tuesdays with Dorie and see what the other baker's did with this recipe. I'm hoping there will be a cupcake.