This one is for all of you who love mixes. Don’t worry: you’re not alone!
From time to time when I bake for people, they ask if I used a mix. I’m never sure how to take that question, other than to find it rude. The thing is, I bake mostly without mixes, or as a layperson would put it, “from scratch.” But when I use mixes, I usually doctor them or put them into a form for which they weren’t intended.
But either way, I’m creating and baking. And even if I were using the mix as directed, does that somehow make the baked good less legitimate? It’s like using a bread machine. Does using the machine take down the integrity of the process? I don’t really get that point of view. I’m more about being grateful to the baker for the time put into making the food and happy for the end result, which should be tasty. That’s all, folks.
Certain questions should just never be asked, like whether you used a mix. In that category is anything about your weight, whether your Prada knockoff bag is actually Prada, or the unanswerable musings from so-called concerned people who ask, “Don’t you think you’re taking on too much?”
The answers to those questions are, in order:
1) (Insert look of speechless astonishment).
2) It’s Prada, you nosy witch.
3) No.
I promise you, I like people. I just don’t like their questions sometimes.
You know what I do like? Cheesecake. Pretty much whenever and however it comes into my life. And this one is a definite cheat in the best way.
The base of this cheesecake is a brownie mix. I used a gluten-free mix so that Kenny could eat it, but then he reminded me that he doesn’t really like cheesecake, the weirdo. Oh, well. I tried.
Part of the brownie mix is used to make the crust, and the rest is mixed into the cheesecake batter. It’s really quite easy. And the result is a simple, chocolate cheesecake that you can add whatever mix-ins to that you like. I just added chocolate chips, but go crazier if you want!
I love the fact that this cheesecake only uses two blocks of cream cheese and that it requires no sour cream or yogurt. Once you have the brownie mix, you’re pretty much set with ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen.
Whatever happens, never let anyone shame you into thinking that using a mix for anything is wrong. People ask really dumb questions. That’s not a reason for you to feel bad. It is a great reason, however, to eat all the cheesecake!
Ingredients
1 lb. box brownie mix (labeled gluten-free), divided
3/4 cup oat flour (certified gluten-free)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz. (2 blocks) cream cheese (I used light)
1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Coat a springform pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine 3/4 cup of the brownie mix with the oat flour and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of a springform pan and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the rest of the brownie mix and the heavy cream until all ingredients are combined.
- Pour the batter onto the crust. Bake for 45 minutes until set. Turn off the oven and open the door to allow the cheesecake to cool slowly without cracks.
- When completely cool, refrigerate anywhere from three hours to overnight. Slice into wedges and serve.
3.1
https://justaboutbaked.com/brownie-mix-cheesecake/
Mir – What an awesome idea! My love for baking first started with boxed mixes when I was a kid, and my mother unable to trust me with measuring. Now, I rarely use boxed mix because I enjoy every step of the baking process (except the waiting for the creations to bake!). This would definitely be a recipe that I would use your shortcuts though. Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break and let Betty Crocker do some of the work. 🙂 This cheesecake looks so moist and chocolately. I can’t wait to try it.
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Travel Talk With Miss Scrambled Egg
I’m a big fan of Uncle Duncan (Hines) in certain situations, Erin! Mixes have their purpose. I don’t usually use them either, but I definitely never ask people if they’ve used them. First of all, I can usually tell. But also, not an okay question!
I use boxed mixes every now and then too, shortcuts can be so good! This cheesecake looks amazing! I’ve never thought to use a mix in one before, let alone brownies. Love this!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…20+ Strawberry Recipes
Thanks, Gayle! I love using mixes in unexpected ways. This one works great!
Mir, preach sister. I have nothing against box mixes. . and you are right, either way, you’re pouring, mixing, throwing something in the oven. . which equates to baking (but something more beautiful than the steps I just wrote) so it simply doesn’t matter to me. . and I would have replaced that “w” with a “B” up there in #2 😛 I love a good brownie mix and hey, if you transform them into something else. . brilliant!!! I’m going to celebrate this post by making a cake from a box mix. 😛 have a great weekend!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Grilled Breakfast Pizza with Pesto
I would have too, Alice, but I am trying to swear less. At least, in anything my children might someday read. 😉 In my head, the words are far more profane, I promise! Make that boxed mix, girl!
So funny. I don’t like people’s questions sometimes (a lot of times) either!
Nothing wrong with using a mix when you’re coming up with this delicious-looking cheesecake!
Sues recently posted…Brownie Coffee Ice Cream
Yep, people just don’t think. I hate that! Thanks so much!
I like box mixes, but don’t use them too often. I also can’t tell when someone else did. These questions are terrible and I feel the same way like you… Love this cheesecake! I wanted to make cheesecake bites for a baby shower next week and was thinking to try this in a square pan and cut it into small squares 🙂
I hope you try it, Mira! Let me know if you do. It’s super easy!
Haha I like when you say “I do like people, just not their questions”. I feel that way too.
I don’t do a lot of baking, so I can’t judge.
But, I do eat a lot of baking and this sure looks delicious.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Friday Favourites: Anniversary, Sleeping, Gadgets and Food by Dannii
Thanks, Dannii! If you eat, you can judge! 🙂
Mir, this cake is so creative! It looks delicious and I don’t care if you used a mix – not that I would ever ask. 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…CONTEST – Name this Cocktail
I’m glad, Rachelle. It’s better to eat and not ask questions!
Oh my…I can get behind this cake! Love it and the fact that you’ve used a mix. One of my most popular cakes (lemon ricotta) starts with a mix and we love it!! Thanks for sharing, my friend!
Thanks, Annie! That sounds like a good cake. I think I remember your post about it!
Mir I use boxed mixes sometimes too. Sometimes its nice to not have to worry or just to have a shortcut. This cheesecake looks delicious!! And love your #2 response. Haha witch! Giggle, giggle. Have a great weekend sweetie! 🙂
Cyndi – My Kitchen Craze recently posted…Tater Tot Taco Casserole
Shortcuts aren’t bad, Cyndi. They’re there for busy ladies like us! You too, my friend!
Did you make cake? Yes! Is it delicious? YES! The end. I don’t know why people need to take it further than that. You simply cannot screw up a boxed cake/brownie mix and I use them more often than not. That’s what they’re there for! And I really want to try out this cheesecake. Looks just…wonderful.
Oh, PS, someone actually asked you about your weight? Unbelievable. Un. Believable.
I know, right? I’m not sure what gives people the idea that it’s okay to just say whatever pops into their heads. But you know, it happens. Thanks for seeing it my way, Erin! 🙂
this looks AH-mazinggg!!! fundgy choclaty brownie all in a cheesecake! YUMMMM
Thanks, Michele! It’s quick and fudgy, all right!
Oh who doesn’t like shortcuts?! I definitely go, those questions are annoying! I love your creativity in this dish! Have a great weekend.
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Roasted Beetroot Raita
Agreed one thousand percent, Manali! You too, buddy!
Lol yes, why do people ask that, I mean, I made you food, why are you complaining?? WHAT he doesn’t like cheesecake? How … Well, it still looks incredible. Super creamy, super fudgy, super chocolatey; you nailed this one Mir!
Mary Frances recently posted…{Crockpot} Paleo Sweet Potato Soup
I know, he’s nuts. Oh, well. People will always ask dumb questions. I don’t get that either!
Basically this is genius. I was super intrigued as to how the brownie mix would be used when I saw the title and I am def impressed by the versatility in the crust/filling. ALSO I sooo feel you on the ‘is it from a mix?’ question. I’m literally vegan. I’m pretty sure I made this from scratch and even if I did use that one accidentally vegan Duncan Hines mix for these cookies, I don’t need your nosiness, thank you very much! (It’s so rude omg)
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…Creamy Vegan Trail Mix Chocolate Dip
Thanks so much, Medha! You can use tofu cream cheese, maybe? I’m not the expert, but you can do it!
This is just amazing. I am in awe!
CakeSpy recently posted…CakeSpy’s Recent Craftsy Posts
Thanks, Jessie! It’s easy cheesecake. That’s all I care about!
People are so annoying. Cheesecake is NOT. Cheesecake wins! (BTW I almost made no-bake brownie cheesecake yesterday. Jinxies!)
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Ice Cream Poke Cake
As usual, Dorothy, our minds are disturbingly (or wonderfully?) on the same wavelength! Cheesecake will always be my friend. And brownies!