Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies

As cheesecake brownies go, these are my ideal.  The chocolate flavor is bold, the cheesecake is tangy, and the brownie on the bottom is moist and chewy.  Let these brownies warm up slightly before serving.  Not that you can’t eat them cold from the fridge (on a  hot day these brownies surprisingly refreshing straight from the chill chest), but the flavors of the chocolate and cheesecake are best closer to room temperature.
Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies      Yield 12
For the brownie layer:
1 1/2 ounces unsalted butter
1 ounce dark (65% or higher) chocolate, chopped
7 ounces sugar
2 ounces golden syrup or honey
1 1/2 ounces butter, melted and cooled
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 3/4 ounces cake flour
1/2 ounces Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the cheesecake layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
2 1/2 ounces sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 ounce dark (65% or higher) chocolate, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder
2 tablespoons sour cream
Heat the oven to 350 F.  Spray an 8 x 8″ pan with non-stick spray, line with parchment paper leaving a three inch overhang on either side, and spray the parchment.
Begin by preparing the cheesecake layer.
In the bowl of a food processor combine the cream cheese and sugar.  Process until smooth.  Add the remaining ingredients and process until well mixed.  Set aside.

In a small microwave safe bowl add the butter and chopped chocolate.  Using 30 second bursts, melt the chocolate with the butter.
Pour the melted chocolate in a large bowl and add the sugar, golden syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla.  Whisk until smooth and well mixed.

Add the cake flour, cocoa powder and salt.  Whisk until the mixture is smooth, about ten strokes, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Set aside 1/2 cup of the brownie batter, then pour the remaining batter into the prepared pan.  Top with the cheesecake batter.  Drizzle the reserved brownie batter over the cheesecake and, using a butter knife, swirl the batter in.

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the sides pull away and the cheesecake is just set.  Allow the brownies to cool completely, then chill for at least two hours before slicing.