Name: Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon baking powder; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re searching for a wow-worthy dessert that effortlessly combines fudgy chocolate with luscious creaminess, look no further than Cream Cheese Brownies. Imagine the perfect marriage of rich, chocolatey brownies and a silky-smooth tangy cheesecake swirl—all in one bite! This crowd-pleaser is easy to make, looks gorgeous with its marbled top, and disappears as quickly as you can slice it. Cream Cheese Brownies have been my go-to treat whenever I want something impressive yet comforting, and I’m so excited to share all the secrets with you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in these Cream Cheese Brownies adds a layer of decadence and a burst of flavor. With a short, classic ingredient list, each element plays a pivotal role in creating those irresistible swirls, soft centers, and crackly tops we all crave.

Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted): Delivers a tender, moist brownie while keeping the chocolate flavor front and center.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup for brownies, 1/4 cup for cream cheese swirl): Sweetens both batters just right and helps create a gorgeous shiny top.
Large Eggs (2 for brownies, 1 for cream cheese layer): Bind the brownies and cheesecake together, providing richness and structure.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp for brownies, 1/2 tsp for cream cheese layer): Rounds out the flavors and amps up both the chocolate and cream cheese notes.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1/3 cup): Brings that deep, authentic chocolate flavor—Dutch-process will make it even richer!
All-Purpose Flour (1/2 cup): Keeps the brownies chewy without being cakey.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Highlights and balances the contrasting flavors.
Baking Powder (1/4 tsp): Adds just enough lift for perfect brownie texture.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the swirl, creating creamy streaks that melt in your mouth.

How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang for easy lifting later. If you don’t have parchment paper on hand, a light greasing with butter or nonstick spray will do the trick—just make sure those brownies release effortlessly!

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until glossy and smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly until the blend looks shiny and homogenous. Gently fold in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix just until combined for that fudgy, classic brownie texture. Next, spread this chocolatey goodness evenly into your prepared baking pan.

Step 3: Cream Cheese Swirl Magic

Grab another bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky, creamy, and totally lump-free. This easy step creates that dreamy swirl that puts these Cream Cheese Brownies over the top!

Step 4: Swirl It Up

Drop big spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over your brownie batter. Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cream cheese and chocolate layers together. Don’t over-mix—aim for marbled ribbons, not a fully blended batter, so every bite offers a bit of both flavors.

Step 5: Bake

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for the center to be just set and for a toothpick inserted to come out with a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter). Let everything cool completely in the pan before removing and slicing—this step helps the Cream Cheese Brownies set up perfectly!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Brownies

Garnishes

A little finishing touch can make your Cream Cheese Brownies even more enticing. Dust them lightly with powdered sugar, top with a drizzle of melted chocolate, or add a few fresh raspberries for color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder takes these brownies from everyday treat to special-occasion stunner!

Side Dishes

While the brownies are certainly the star, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries makes for a decadent dessert plate. For an after-dinner treat, these brownies complement a cup of strong coffee or a tall glass of cold milk beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the brownies into clean, even squares for a classic look, or cut them into bite-sized triangles for easy party nibbles. For a more elegant touch, serve each brownie on a plate with strawberries and a drizzle of raspberry sauce. If you’re going for a fun, casual gathering, stack brownies on a pretty cake stand and let guests grab and mingle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cream Cheese Brownies keep wonderfully for a few days! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh and fudgy for up to 5 days. In fact, some fans claim they taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, place in a resealable freezer bag, and thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. This makes them the perfect make-ahead treat for unexpected cravings or surprise guests.

Reheating

To restore that just-baked warmth, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will revive the fudgy texture and bring that gorgeous cream cheese swirl back to its melty, inviting best.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time; it might need a few extra minutes. The creaminess and rich chocolate flavor scale up beautifully for parties or potlucks.

What’s the best way to get those perfect marbled swirls?

To achieve beautiful swirls, drop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the brownie base, then use a butter knife or a skewer to gently drag through the batters in figure-eight motions. Don’t over-mix; a light hand is key for those distinct Cream Cheese Brownies swirls!

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?

Yes—absolutely! Fold a handful of semisweet chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the brownie batter for extra texture and flavor. Chocolate chips in particular make the brownies even more decadent, while nuts add a nice, crunchy contrast.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

You want the edges to look set and a toothpick inserted near the center to come out with a few moist crumbs attached. The cream cheese part should be just set, not wet. Overbaking can dry them out, so start checking at 30 minutes to be safe.

Can I make Cream Cheese Brownies gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum or a binder for best results). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy these even with dietary needs!

Final Thoughts

These Cream Cheese Brownies are the kind of dessert you’ll want to share—yet secretly hope there’s one left just for you. They’re easy, show-stopping, and utterly delectable. I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch and take that first gooey, swirled bite!

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese mixture. A decadent dessert that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until fully combined. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and swirl gently with a knife.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool and Serve: Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.