Cream cheese brownies combine the best of two dessert worlds—rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, tangy cheesecake. This decadent dessert offers a swirl of contrasting textures and flavors in every bite. The luscious cream cheese layer creates a stunning marbled effect that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving an indulgent treat, these brownies are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, making them a standout dessert for any occasion.
These brownies are made with pantry staples, so you can whip them up anytime. The addition of cream cheese elevates the classic brownie, giving it a velvety smoothness and a delightful tang. Plus, the swirling process adds a creative touch that’s fun and easy to do. Serve these cream cheese brownies on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Beautiful Swirl Effect: A visually stunning dessert that’s just as delicious as it looks.
• Perfect Balance: Combines the deep chocolate flavor with the tangy creaminess of cheesecake.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps with guaranteed impressive results.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
• 10 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup + 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tablespoons water
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature for 40 minutes)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line an 11×7-inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
• Melt the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring until smooth.
• Stir in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved.
• Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt, mixing well.
• Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and flour until combined.
• Spread ¾ of the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
• Using a stand or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy.
• Reduce the speed to low and mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie layer using an offset spatula.
4. Create the Swirl Effect:
• Stir the cold water into the remaining brownie batter.
• Drop spoonfuls of the batter over the cream cheese layer.
• Use a knife or chopstick to gently swirl the two layers together, being careful not to overmix or reach the bottom layer.
5. Bake:
• Bake for 35–40 minutes. A toothpick inserted near the edges should come out clean, while the center remains slightly gooey.
6. Cool and Serve:
• Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment or foil overhang.
• Slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips:
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and even baking.
• Don’t Over-Swirl: Swirl just enough to create a marbled effect for a visually stunning presentation.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
These cream cheese brownies are the perfect combination of fudgy and creamy, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
