Brownie-Bottom Lemon Cheesecake

Name: Brownie-Bottom Lemon Cheesecake
Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings
Ingredients: Nonstick vegetable oil spray; 6 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate (54% to 60% cacao), chopped; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup (packed) golden brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature; 13/4 cups sugar; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon peel; 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 5 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 cup sour cream; Bittersweet chocolate curls or shavings; 1 lemon, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise; 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch- to 3-inch-high sides; Offset spatula

This recipe wasn't created, per se; it was a happy accident. One of our new (though lovely) bakers was working on a tray of brownies and pulled them out too early from the oven. They were too underdone for sale, so we cut some out, pressed them into the bottom of a springform pan, and used them as the base of our cheesecake. It has been on our menu ever since.

By Matt Lewis and Renato Poliafito

March 31, 2009

Image may contain Food Dish Meal Dessert Cake Confectionery and Sweets

Brownie-Bottom Lemon CheesecakeBrian Finke

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.