Name: Cream Cheese Brownies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-482367H44M10S
Total time: PT-482367H44M10S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 10 tablespoons butter; ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips; ½ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder; ¾ cup brown sugar; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅔ cup flour; 1 ½ tablespoons water; 8 ounces cream cheese; ¼ cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Craving a rich and satisfying dessert that perfectly balances the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the irresistible allure of brownies? Look no further than these delectable Cream Cheese Brownies. With a velvety cream cheese layer swirled into a fudgy chocolate brownie base, this dessert is a surefire crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and uncover the secrets to making these heavenly treats in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

10 tablespoons of butter

½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips

½ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons of cocoa powder

¾ cup of brown sugar

¾ cup of granulated sugar

½ teaspoon of salt

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

⅔ cup of flour

1 ½ tablespoons of water

For the Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 ounces of cream cheese

¼ cup of sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 11×7 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, ensuring an overhang for easy removal.

Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and semisweet chocolate chips in 1-minute intervals at 50% power until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved. Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Spread 3/4 of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, using a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.

Swirl and Bake: Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of cold water into the remaining brownie batter. Drop spoonfuls of the diluted brownie batter onto the cream cheese layer, evenly spaced apart. Using a knife or chopstick, gently swirl the brownie mixture into the cream cheese layer, creating a marbled effect. Be cautious not to over-swirl.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly gooey.

Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the Cream Cheese Brownies to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the overhang of the foil or parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy the heavenly fusion of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate brownies!

Serving Tips:

Serve these Cream Cheese Brownies warm or at room temperature for the best taste and texture.

Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.

Dust the brownies with powdered sugar or cocoa powder before serving for a decorative touch.

Storage Tips:

Store leftover Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To maintain freshness, place a piece of parchment paper between the layers of brownies to prevent sticking.

You can also freeze the brownies for longer storage. Wrap individual portions or the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Frozen brownies can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat refrigerated brownies, simply microwave individual portions for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

For frozen brownies, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Then, warm them in the microwave or oven until heated to your liking.

Refreshing Leftovers:

If the brownies lose their freshness or become slightly dry, revive them by lightly warming them in the microwave and serving with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

You can also crumble leftover brownies and use them as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, or oatmeal for a delicious twist.

Related Recipes:

Strawberry Brownies

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

While you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese, it may alter the texture and flavor slightly. Low-fat cream cheese tends to be softer and may not provide the same richness as full-fat cream cheese. However, it should still work well in the recipe.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can make gluten-free Cream Cheese Brownies by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients used, such as cocoa powder and chocolate chips, are also gluten-free. Additionally, double-check that the brand of cream cheese you use is gluten-free.

How do I achieve the perfect swirl pattern on the brownies?

To achieve a beautiful swirl pattern on your Cream Cheese Brownies, drop spoonfuls of the diluted brownie batter onto the cream cheese layer, and then use a knife or chopstick to gently swirl the two mixtures together. Be careful not to over-swirl, as this can muddy the distinct layers.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to these brownies?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Cream Cheese Brownies by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the brownie batter before baking. You can also stir in chocolate chips or swirl in caramel sauce for an extra decadent touch. Just be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have.

Conclusion:

These Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful treat for any dessert lover. Whether you’re indulging in a sweet craving or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is bound to satisfy. Try it out and prepare to be amazed by the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

📖 Recipe: