Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan - Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment paper for good measure.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate and Butter - In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chocolate chips. Melt them together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and glossy.
Step 4: Mix in the Sugars - Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the melted chocolate mixture. Whisk until combined.
Step 5: Add the Eggs - Add the large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, giving it a light texture.
Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients - Sift in the cocoa powder and all-purpose flour. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips - Add 1 1/2 cups of mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter and fold them in evenly.
Step 8: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer - In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. You can use a whisk or an electric mixer for this. Add a bit of sugar if you like it sweeter, but it’s optional since the brownies will be sweet enough.
Step 9: Layer the Brownie and Cheesecake Mixtures - Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Dollop the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer and gently swirl it using a knife or spatula. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top.
Step 10: Bake the Brownies - Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 11: Top with Hot Fudge - Once the brownies are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Drizzle the hot fudge topping generously over the top while still warm.
Step 12: Cool and Serve - Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares and enjoy the gooey goodness!
