Okay, let’s be real. We’ve all been there – staring into the pantry, craving something chocolatey, but those boxed up chocolates. Why are brownies so bad? I adore a good fudgy chocolate brownie, but sometimes you want more. Where are these adversitiesCream cheese brownies are a hugeThink of them as the sophisticated older sibling of your classic brownie. They’re rich, decadent, and that Cream Cheese Swirl? Honestly, these are ridiculously easy, surprisingly quick, and disappear faster than I can make them. My kids practically inhale them! If you’re looking for brownie that’s a little bit special, that’s perfect for tucking in for the weeknight treat or bringing home for dinner, this is the brownie for you. If you are looking for a weekend brunch, look no further. What are some of the best things about these?
What is Cream Cheese Brownies?
So, what *are* Cream Cheese brownies are a hitWhat is your favorite fudgy brownie recipe? What is the taste of cream cheese? Is this a marbled masterpiece of chocolate? The cream cheese layer adds a wonderful textural contrast to the rich chocolate base, and it cuts through the dark chocolate. Is there enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more? What is the perfect balance of dark chocolate and creamy tang? What’s not to love about adding cream cheese to a salad? What is it about creating a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures in every single bite? What is the swirl like?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
I know there are a million brownie recipes out there, but this one is my favorite.Cream Cheese brownies are a mustWhat makes a recipe special?
- Flavor Explosion:Let’s start with the obvious – taste! You get that deep, intense chocolate from the brownie base, which is perfectly balanced by the chocolate. tangy sweetness of the cream cheese swirl. What is a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing?
- Is it really easyDon’t let the swirl intimidate you. This recipe is surprisingly straightforward. What is a simple cream cheese brownie batter? Even a novice baker can nail this one. This one’s humbling on busy nights!
- Budget-Friendly InYou probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already! This isn’t a recipe that requires fancy, expensive chocolate. What is a simple recipe for decadence?
- Ridiculously Vers These Cream cheese brownies are a mustWhat are some good side dishes to serve with vanilla ice cream? What is the best way to serve caramel sauce? What are some great desserts for a weeknight dinner?
When I started baking, I was intimidated by anything that looked fancy. Swirls seemed like some kind of culinary black magic! Is this a recipe for swirling? What I love about this is the way the tanginess of the Cream Cheese perfectly balances the flavor of this. What is the richness of chocolate? Is it too sweet or too heavy?
How do I make Cream Cheese Brownies?
Quick Overview
Making these Cream Cheese brownies are a mustIs it easier than you think? How do I make a fudgy brownie batter? How do you make the cream cheese filling? Dollop spoonfuls of each mixture into a pan, swirl them together with skewer or knife, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove from oven. Is it necessary to bake until golden and set? What should I do if I want to make them fudgy in the middle? I promise, the swirl is easier than it looks and adds so much to the final presentation. This method is simple, satisfying, and yields the most delicious.Cream cheese brownies are a mustHave you ever tasted anything?
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter: What is the
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg yolk
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
* 1/2 cup powdered sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons milk
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch Baking Pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper too, leaving an overhang. How do I lift brownies out of the pan? What is the one step you don’t want to skip?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Set aside. I like to mix everything together until well Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it could cook the eggs later on. This mixture should be nice and smooth with no lumps of cocoa.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs to a bowl and beat until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside. How do you build the structure of brownies? Don’t be afraid to whip those eggs in there!
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies. A few streaks of flour are okay. We want fudgy, not cakey brownies!
Step 5: Prepare Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened Cream Cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is really softened, otherwise you’ll end up with lumps in your swirl. Nobody wants that!
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the Cream Cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese. Finally, dollop the remaining cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect. Don’t over-swirl, or you’ll lose the distinct layers. I like to create a figure-eight pattern for a pretty effect.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The edges should be set, but the center should still be a little fudgy. Keep an eye on them – ovens vary, and you don’t want to overbake them! Overbaking is the enemy of fudgy brownies!
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is the hardest part, I know! To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled brownies.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
Cut the brownies into squares and serve. These are best enjoyed slightly chilled, but they’re delicious at room temperature too. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. My kids love them with a glass of cold milk.
What to Serve It With
These cream cheese brownies are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
For Breakfast: Pair a warm brownie with a strong cup of coffee for a decadent start to your day. The bitterness of the coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the brownie. I sometimes add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra warmth.
For Brunch: Slice the brownies into smaller squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream. Serve with mimosas for a truly celebratory brunch. This presentation is always a crowd-pleaser!
As Dessert: Serve a warm brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. The combination of warm brownie, cold ice cream, and rich fudge is pure heaven. This is my go-to dessert when I’m craving something truly indulgent.
For Cozy Snacks: Enjoy a brownie with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot chocolate on a chilly evening. This is the ultimate comfort food. I love to curl up on the couch with a brownie and a good book.
My family has a tradition of enjoying these brownies after Thanksgiving dinner instead of pie. It’s a fun and unexpected twist on a classic holiday tradition. No matter how you choose to serve them, these cream cheese brownies are sure to be a hit!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Cream Cheese Brownies
Over the years, I’ve made these cream cheese brownies countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for achieving brownie perfection:
Cream Cheese Prep: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth and creamy swirl. I usually take it out of the fridge about an hour before I start baking.
Mixing Advice: Be careful not to overmix the brownie batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough brownies. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry if there are a few streaks of flour remaining.
Swirl Customization: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your swirl! Experiment with different patterns and techniques. You can use a knife, a skewer, or even a chopstick to create your swirl. I’ve even seen people use the handle of a spoon!
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have unsweetened cocoa powder, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips. Just melt the chocolate chips and add them to the batter along with the butter. You can also use different extracts in the cream cheese filling, such as almond extract or peppermint extract.
Baking Tips: Keep a close eye on the brownies while they’re baking. Ovens vary, and you don’t want to overbake them. The brownies are done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. I always rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even baking.
Glaze Variations: You can customize the glaze by adding different flavorings, such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest. You can also use different liquids, such as coffee or orange juice, instead of milk. For a richer glaze, use melted butter instead of milk.
I once tried making these with almond milk instead of regular milk in the glaze and, surprisingly, it made the glaze even creamier! It’s all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
Storing and Reheating Tips
These cream cheese brownies are delicious fresh out of the oven, but they also store well. Here are my tips for storing and reheating them:
Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh and fudgy.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The cold temperature will help them stay moist and prevent them from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the brownies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning on freezing the brownies, it’s best to wait to glaze them until after they’ve thawed. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky.
I usually make a big batch of these brownies on the weekend and then store them in the freezer for a quick and easy treat during the week. They’re perfect for satisfying those late-night chocolate cravings!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my ultimate recipe for cream cheese brownies. I truly believe that this is the only brownie recipe you’ll ever need. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. The swirl of cream cheese adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to a classic dessert, and the flavor combination is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a brownie that’s a little bit special, look no further!
If you love these cream cheese brownies, be sure to check out my other brownie recipes, such as my fudgy chocolate brownies and my peanut butter brownies. And don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below to let me know how yours turned out! I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Happy baking!
Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining brownie batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely before cutting and serving.
