Cream Cheese Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream cheese brownies are the perfect balance of two classic desserts—brownies and cheesecake. The rich, chocolatey brownie base is perfectly complemented by the smooth, tangy cream cheese swirl, creating an irresistible contrast in both flavor and texture. They're simple to make, with just a few ingredients, yet the result feels indulgent and luxurious. Whether you're serving them at a party or enjoying them as a personal treat, these brownies will definitely impress.

Ingredients

Brownie Batter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 egg yolk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the Brownie Batter:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until glossy and well combined. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Set the batter aside.

3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
   In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

4. Assemble the Brownies:
   Pour about ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled effect.

5. Bake:
   Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.

6. Cool and Slice:
   Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Rich, fudgy chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in every bite—these brownies are a match made in dessert heaven!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Chill Time: 1 hour (cooling)

• Yield: 9–12 brownies

Variations

• Add-ins: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for extra texture.

• Flavor Twist: Use flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or lemon, to give these brownies a fruity twist.

• Toppings: Top the cooled brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra decadent touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

• Freezing: You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Simply wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

• Reheating: To enjoy them warm, microwave individual brownies for 10-15 seconds.

FAQs

1. Can I make these brownies without cream cheese?

You could substitute the cream cheese with a variety of other fillings, like peanut butter or Nutella, but it will change the flavor and texture significantly.

2. Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate, but the flavor and texture of the brownies will be a bit different. Use 3 ounces of melted dark chocolate for every ⅓ cup of cocoa powder.

3. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

When a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), they are done.

4. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, these brownies often taste better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store them in an airtight container.

5. How can I make my brownies fudgier?

For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake them or reduce the amount of flour used in the recipe.

6. Can I use a different type of pan?

Yes, you can use a 9x9-inch pan, but be aware that the baking time might be shorter, so keep an eye on them.

7. Can I use a hand mixer for the cream cheese swirl?

Yes, a hand mixer will work fine for beating the cream cheese mixture; just make sure not to overmix.

8. Why are my brownies not as gooey as I wanted them to be?

If your brownies aren't gooey enough, it could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Try adjusting your baking time or measuring the flour more accurately.

9. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture might be slightly different.

10. What can I serve with these brownies?

These brownies are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Cream cheese brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts. With their rich brownie base and creamy, tangy swirl of cheesecake, they’re sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these brownies are a must-try for anyone who loves a combination of chocolate and cream cheese. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled for a treat that’s irresistible every time!

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Cream Cheese Brownies

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These decadent cream cheese brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a chocolate brownie with the tangy creaminess of cheesecake in every bite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp baking powder

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 egg yolk

½ tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until glossy and well combined. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Set the batter aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Pour about ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top. Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.
6. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.

Notes

• For extra texture, add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter.
• Flavored cream cheese, such as strawberry or lemon, can be used for a fruity twist.
• Top the cooled brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate ganache for an extra decadent touch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg