If you are on the hunt for a dessert that marries rich chocolatey goodness with creamy, tangy indulgence, this Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. These brownies boast a moist, fudgy texture layered with a luscious cream cheese swirl that adds a delightful contrast in both flavor and appearance. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and creamy, making it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe is your ticket to impressing everyone with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible brownies. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of rich chocolate and smooth cream cheese that defines this Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe.

Butter (10 tablespoons): This adds moisture and that silky richness that brownies are famous for, helping to create a tender crumb.
Semisweet chocolate chips (½ cup): Melting into the butter, they bring deep chocolate flavor and a luscious texture.
Cocoa powder (½ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons): Besides intensifying the chocolate taste, cocoa powder gives the brownies their classic, dark color.
Brown sugar (¾ cup): Adds a subtle caramel note and chewiness to the brownies.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Balances sweetness and helps with that desirable crackly top.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the chocolate and cream cheese flavors and prevents the brownies from tasting flat.
Large eggs (3 total): Eggs provide structure, richness, and moisture, keeping the brownies from being dry.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Adds warmth and depth that elevates the chocolate and cream cheese layers.
Flour (⅔ cup): The right amount gives the brownies that fudgy yet slightly cakey texture without weighing them down.
Water (1 ½ tablespoons): Helps to blend the batter for smooth consistency.
Cream cheese (8 ounces): The star of the swirl, it adds that creamy tang and beautiful marbling in every slice.
Sugar for cream cheese layer (¼ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese perfectly without overpowering its subtle flavor.

How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to the ideal temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C), and prepare your baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your brownies don’t stick and come out with clean edges, setting the stage for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate Chips

In a heatproof bowl, gently melt the butter along with semisweet chocolate chips, either over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave. This step creates a velvety base packed with chocolate flavor, which is crucial for that rich brownie taste.

Step 3: Mix Cocoa Powder and Sugars

Into the melted chocolate mixture, stir in the cocoa powder, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. The sugars not only sweeten the batter but also contribute to the gooey texture of the brownies, while the cocoa punch intensifies the chocolatey goodness.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Flour

Beat in two large eggs along with vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture, then fold in the flour carefully to avoid overmixing. You want the batter to be smooth, which ensures a fudgy texture after baking.

Step 5: Spread the Base Batter

Pour about three-quarters of the brownie batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. This layer serves as the substantial chocolate foundation for the luscious cream cheese swirl.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and ¼ cup sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then add one egg and vanilla extract, mixing until the cream cheese filling is perfectly silky and ready to contrast the dense brownie layer.

Step 7: Add the Cream Cheese Mixture

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the base brownie batter. This layer will bake up to a creamy, tangy, and slightly tangy layer that complements the rich chocolate beneath beautifully.

Step 8: Swirl Remaining Batter and Bake

Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer in small scoops. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the chocolate batter through the cream cheese to create the signature marbled effect. Bake until set but still slightly gooey in the center, typically about 30 to 35 minutes.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

These brownies are already stunning on their own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few chocolate shavings on top can take their presentation up a notch. Fresh raspberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce also offer a delightful flavor contrast and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair Cream Cheese Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert combo that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or a handful of cherries, can lighten the experience and add a refreshing note.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting these brownies into bite-sized cubes and serving them skewered with berries for a fun party appetizer. Alternatively, layer small pieces in a glass with whipped cream and chocolate sauce to create an elegant brownie parfait that’s both easy and impressive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cream Cheese Brownies should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. The chill helps maintain the cream cheese layer’s creaminess without drying out the brownies.

Freezing

If you want to keep these brownies fresh for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months and can be thawed at room temperature or in the fridge.

Reheating

To enjoy them warm, reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This slightly melts the cream cheese layer and revives the fudgy texture, making them taste just like freshly baked.

FAQs

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

While low-fat cream cheese can be used, the texture and richness of the brownies might be slightly compromised. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and creaminess in the swirl.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The brownies are done when the cream cheese layer is set and the edges pull away slightly from the pan, but the center should still be a bit gooey and soft to keep that fudgy perfection.

Can I substitute regular sugar with a sugar alternative?

You can try sugar alternatives, but be mindful that it might affect the texture and sweetness level. Granulated and brown sugar in this recipe help with moisture and structure, so swapping may yield different results.

Is it necessary to swirl the batter?

Swirling creates the signature marbled look and combines the two flavors slightly but if you prefer, you can layer without swirling for a distinct separation of cream cheese and chocolate layers.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chunks to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and depth of flavor, while extra chocolate chunks can increase the chocolate intensity and gooey spots within the brownies.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the way cream cheese and chocolate come together in this Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or simply savoring on your own. I can’t recommend baking these enough — they are sure to become a new favorite go-to treat in your kitchen.

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

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3.8 from 70 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

Decadent Cream Cheese Brownies featuring a rich, fudgy chocolate base layered with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. These brownies deliver the perfect balance of dense chocolate flavor and smooth cream cheese frosting, baked to gooey perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter

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

Cream Cheese Layer

8 ounces cream cheese
¼ cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the butter together with the semisweet chocolate chips until smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt to combine thoroughly.
Make Brownie Batter: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the flour and water until you achieve a smooth, thick brownie batter.
Spread Brownie Base: Spread approximately three-quarters of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar and continue beating, then mix in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and creamy.
Add Cream Cheese Layer: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
Create Swirl: Spoon the remaining brownie batter in dollops over the cream cheese layer. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the two layers together to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the brownies are set but still slightly gooey in the center. Insert a toothpick to check; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 12 servings. Enjoy!