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
- â…” cup flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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!
Notes
- For sharper swirls, use a toothpick or skewer to carefully marble the top.
- Do not overbake to maintain the fudgy texture.
- Room temperature cream cheese works best for smooth mixing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
