Name: Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Bright, tangy, and impossibly creamy, Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are the kind of dessert that stop you in your tracks—just one bite and you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated springtime (or honestly, any time) without them. The buttery, lemon-scented brownie base is lusciously dense, almost fudge-like, swirled with ribbons of rich cream cheese that create pockets of cheesecake magic in every slice. If you love that classic pairing of citrus and cream, these Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies will instantly win your heart—and your tastebuds!

Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies come together with pure pantry staples, but every ingredient truly earns its spot. From the zesty citrus to the silky cream cheese, each one adds layers of flavor and irresistible texture for that mouthwatering finish!

Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, melt-in-your-mouth base for the brownies and helps bind everything together.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the brownie and cream cheese swirl, balancing the tart punch of lemon.
Large eggs: Give structure and a luscious, fudgy bite while adding moisture.
Lemon juice: Delivers that zippy, mouthwatering brightness through every bite.
Lemon zest: Infuses natural oils for bold, fresh citrus flavor and a sunny aroma.
All-purpose flour: Creates a dense, chewy foundation that supports the creamy layers.
Baking powder: Lifts the brownies ever-so-slightly for a soft crumb.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cream cheese (softened): Brings that silky, tangy swirl for cheesecake fans.
Egg yolk: Enriches the cream cheese mixture for a velvety texture.
Vanilla extract: Lends a gentle warmth that makes the lemons shine brighter.

How to Make Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Set the Oven

Before you reach for your whisk, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or give it a quick grease. This step ensures easy brownie removal—you want those gorgeous Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies coming out clean, no sticking!

Step 2: Create the Lemon Brownie Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks glossy and thoroughly combined. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the bright lemon juice and zest. In another small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just incorporated (don’t overmix—gentle is key for that tender, chewy crumb).

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add in the sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then beat until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This creamy swirl is what sets Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies apart from any ordinary lemon bar!

Step 4: Assemble and Swirl

Spread the lemon brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan—get all the way into the corners. Then, drop generous spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture all over the top. Using a knife or a wooden skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter to create pretty, marbled patterns. No need for perfection; those rustic swirls are what make each bar unique!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for set edges and a center that’s just barely jiggly (like a cheesecake). Once done, let the Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into perfect squares. If you can wait, they taste even better chilled!

How to Serve Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies

Garnishes

Dress up your Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving, or shower them with extra lemon zest for bonus brightness. If you’re feeling a little fancy, a few fresh berries or edible flowers transform these bars into a lovely spring dessert tray centerpiece.

Side Dishes

Pair these brownies with a simple cup of hot tea, coffee, or a tall glass of chilled milk. The creamy citrus flavor also complements fresh fruit salads or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt for brunch-ready flair. They’re a stunning addition to any dessert spread or picnic basket.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, arrange the Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies on a tiered stand or serve in cupcake liners for easy grabbing. Stack squares in mason jars for a charming picnic treat, or cut them into bite-sized cubes for petite lemon cheesecake brownie bites at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay soft, tangy, and delicious for up to five days—plus, the flavors only get brighter as they chill!

Freezing

To freeze, slice and layer brownies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when a citrusy craving hits.

Reheating

While these brownies are fantastic cold, you can gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, just enough to relax the cream cheese swirl without melting it. This brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven coziness!

FAQs

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies—the flavor is noticeably brighter and more complex. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but you’ll miss some of that amazing aromatic zest!

Can these brownies be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, and you’ll still end up with chewy, tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies everyone can enjoy.

My cream cheese swirl sank. What went wrong?

Occasionally the swirl can sink if the batter is too thin or the cream cheese mixture is too heavy. Make sure your batter is thick and the cream cheese is well-whipped to create those defined, beautiful pockets on top.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The edges should be set, and the very center should still have a slight wobble—like a cheesecake. Overbaking makes them dry, so check early and let them cool completely, as they’ll firm up as they sit.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The bake time may be a little longer, so watch for set edges and that signature creamy center.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies aren’t just a pretty treat—they’re packed with bright, citrusy punch and the kind of creamy richness that makes every bite special. I hope you give this recipe a whirl and find yourself sharing these bars with all your friends and family. Life’s too short for boring desserts—let’s add some zesty, swirly sunshine to dessert time!

Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy lemon and creamy cheesecake with these Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies. These moist and flavorful brownies are perfect for citrus lovers and make a fantastic dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Swirl:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
Mix butter and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, lemon juice, and zest.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Make cream cheese swirl: In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
Assemble and bake: Spread lemon batter in the pan, then add spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture and swirl gently. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares.