Maida Heatter's Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus butter for greasing the pan
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• Pinch of salt, if desired
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup unsifted all-purpose flour (bleached or unbleached)
• 1 cup toasted pecan halves (see note)
• 1/2 cup packed shredded coconut
• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• A few drops almond extract, optional
• 1 tablespoon flour
• Cocoa powder, either sweetened or unsweetened, optional