Cream Cheese Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the creamy, tangy flavor of cream cheese, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert. Perfect for special occasions or as a weekend treat, these brownies offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients:
Brownie Layer:
- 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
- ⅔ cup flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 11×7 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave at 1-minute intervals at 50% power, stirring until smooth. Mix in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
- Stir in both sugars, salt, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add flour until just combined. Spread three-quarters of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- For the cream cheese layer, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy using a mixer. On low speed, add the egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined. Spread this mixture over the brownie base.
- Stir cold water into the remaining brownie batter, then drop spoonfuls onto the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or chopstick to swirl the two layers together, careful not to overmix.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey. Allow to cool before slicing.
Notes and FAQs:
- Substitutions: You can use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Storage: Keep the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Why is my cream cheese mixture lumpy? Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
Conclusion:
Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect treat for anyone looking to enjoy the best of both worlds: the decadent chocolatey goodness of brownies and the smooth richness of cream cheese. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Enjoy your baking and the delicious results!
