Description
Cream Cheese Brownies deliver a luxurious chocolate experience with silky cream cheese swirls dancing across rich, fudgy layers. Chocolate lovers will savor this indulgent dessert that balances intense cocoa depth with tangy cream cheese elegance.
Ingredients
Scale
Cream Cheese Brownies
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and hot
- 2 large eggs
- 8 ounces (226 grams) block cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Chocolate and Flavor Enhancers:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg white
- ½ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (177°C) and lining an 8×8 inch (20×20 centimeters) pan with aluminum foil, ensuring thorough greasing to prevent sticking.
- Create the brownie base by combining hot melted butter with granulated sugar, allowing the mixture to rest for 5 minutes to enhance flavor integration.
- Incorporate whole eggs, water, and pure vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, whisking until a smooth, homogeneous liquid forms.
- Sift together unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt, then gently fold into the wet ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips, reserving approximately one-third of the brownie batter for later layering.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer by beating cream cheese until soft and creamy, then gradually adding granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, egg white, and vanilla extract.
- Blend the cream cheese mixture until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter into the prepared pan, then drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture strategically across the surface.
- Using a knife, create delicate swirls by gently dragging the blade through the batters, generating a marbled visual effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 32-37 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center emerges with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow brownies to cool completely within the pan, placed on a wire rack to ensure even temperature reduction.
Notes
- Prep like a pro by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Create stunning marbled swirls by using the tip of a knife to gently drag cream cheese and brownie batter in zigzag patterns.
- Check doneness with the toothpick test: insert into center, and a few moist crumbs are perfect – avoid overbaking for ultra-fudgy results.
- Chill brownies completely before cutting to achieve clean, crisp edges and prevent crumbling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- For maximum indulgence, warm brownies slightly and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cold glass of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 37 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg