Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cream cheese brownies! They’re an absolute dream come true—rich, fudgy, and topped off with a luscious, creamy swirl that takes them to a whole new level. I still remember the first time I made these; my kitchen was filled with the most delightful aroma, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a taste before they were even cool! The combination of the chocolatey brownie base and the smooth cream cheese layer is just heavenly. Trust me, once you taste these, you’ll be hooked! They’re perfect for any occasion, or honestly, just when you need a little pick-me-up. Let’s dive into the magic of making these delicious treats together!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
These ingredients come together to create the most decadent cream cheese brownies you’ll ever taste! Make sure your cream cheese is softened so it blends beautifully with the powdered sugar. And don’t skip out on the quality of your cocoa powder—trust me, it makes a world of difference! Gather these goodies, and let’s get ready to bake something incredible!
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Brownies
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, as it ensures your brownies bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well with some butter or non-stick spray. You could also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Trust me, you want these brownies to come out perfectly!
Mix the Brownie Batter
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a saucepan over low heat, melt your butter. Once it’s all melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is mixed well! Next, sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just blended. Be careful not to overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps. We want our brownies to be fudgy and delicious!
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, it’s time to tackle the cream cheese layer. Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth—this is key to a heavenly texture! Then, mix in the powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. You want this mixture to be silky and creamy, so take your time to get it just right.
Assemble the Brownies
Now for the assembly! Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Then, gently dollop the cream cheese mixture on top, and use a spatula to spread it out as evenly as possible. Next, pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. For the fun part, take a knife and gently swirl it through the layers to create that gorgeous marble effect. Don’t go crazy with it; a few swirls will do!
Baking and Cooling
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. This cooling time is essential to help them set up, making slicing much easier. Trust me, the anticipation will be worth it when you finally get to enjoy these scrumptious treats!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cream cheese brownies turn out absolutely perfect! First, be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. A few lumps are totally fine; they help keep that fudgy texture we all love. Also, when you’re swirling the cream cheese mixture, don’t go too deep—just a light swirl creates that beautiful marbled look without losing the layers. If you want to add chocolate chips for an extra treat, do it! Just fold them in gently. And remember, patience is key! Let those brownies cool completely before slicing for clean edges. Trust me, your effort will be totally worth it when you take that first bite!
Variations on Cream Cheese Brownies
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these cream cheese brownies! For a delightful twist, try folding in some chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter—extra chocolaty goodness is always a win! You could even sprinkle some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a lovely crunch that complements the creamy texture. Feeling fruity? Swirl in some raspberry or strawberry puree into the cream cheese layer for a pop of flavor and color. And don’t forget about extracts! A hint of almond or mint extract can elevate your brownies to a whole new level. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make them your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cream cheese brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for about a week. Just make sure they’re well sealed to prevent drying out! If you prefer them warm, simply reheat individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes a rubbery brownie! Enjoy them warm or chilled, whichever way you prefer!
Nutritional Information
It’s important to note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But as a general estimate, each cream cheese brownie contains about 210 calories, 10g of fat, 3g of protein, and 26g of carbohydrates. With 18g of sugar and 150mg of sodium, these brownies are definitely a delicious treat to savor. Enjoy them in moderation, and indulge your sweet tooth!
FAQ About Cream Cheese Brownies
Let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about these scrumptious cream cheese brownies! First up, what can I substitute for cream cheese? If you’re not a fan or need a dairy-free option, you can use silken tofu blended until smooth or even mascarpone cheese for a different flavor. It works beautifully!
Next, you might wonder, how do I know when the brownies are done? The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, you’re golden! If it’s wet with batter, they need a bit more time.
And, of course, can I freeze these brownies? Absolutely! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. They’re just as delicious after a stint in the freezer! So, go ahead and make a double batch—you’ll thank yourself later!
For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Cherry Cheesecake Brownies recipe!
Also, if you’re interested in learning about the health benefits of dark chocolate, you can read more here.
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Cream cheese brownies that will make you swoon every time
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously rich cream cheese brownies with a creamy swirl.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just blended.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter.
- Swirl with a knife to create a marble effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- For a richer flavor, add chocolate chips.
- These brownies can be served warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cream cheese brownies, brownies, dessert
