Description
Delight in these rich and fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies, featuring a luscious swirled layer of tangy cream cheese atop classic chocolate brownies. This easy-to-make dessert combines a moist cocoa brownie base with a creamy, smooth cream cheese topping, perfect for any occasion that calls for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- â…“ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined without overmixing. Reserve ¼ cup of this batter for swirling later, and pour the remaining batter evenly into the lined pan.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the brownie batter in the pan, creating a smooth surface.
- Create the Swirl Effect: Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter across the cream cheese layer. Using a knife, gently swirl the brownie batter into the cream cheese to create a marbled effect without fully mixing the layers.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies are done when the center is set but still moist, and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into 9 pieces. This step ensures clean cuts and allows the layers to set properly for the best texture.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and chill in the refrigerator before cutting.
- Store brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness or freeze for longer storage.
