Cream Cheese Brownies

by

Introduction:

Indulge in the perfect marriage of chocolate and cheesecake with our delectable Cream Cheese Brownies recipe. These decadent treats combine rich, fudgy brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl, creating a dessert that’s both irresistible and unforgettable. Whether you’re craving a sweet snack or planning a special occasion, our Cream Cheese Brownies are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you coming back for more. Join us as we explore the simple steps to create this heavenly dessert that’s guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate cravings.

Ingredients:

  • Brownies
  • 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:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 11×7 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Melt the butter and the chocolate chips in the microwave at 1-minute intervals at 50% power until melted and smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder until dissolved. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Spread 3/4 of the batter in the prepared pan.
  3. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie mixture.
  4. Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons cold water to the remaining brownie mixture.  Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the cream cheese mixture spacing them equally apart. Using a knife or chopstick, swirl the brownie mixture into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to go too deep into the bottom brownie mixture or to over-swirl.
  5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the edges comes out fairly clean and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly gooey.

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve at Room Temperature: For the best taste and texture, allow Cream Cheese Brownies to come to room temperature before serving. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the brownies to soften slightly, resulting in a more indulgent experience.
  2. Garnish with Cocoa Powder or Powdered Sugar: Before serving, dust the top of the brownies with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a decorative touch. This adds a hint of sweetness and enhances the presentation of the brownies.
  3. Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: For an extra special treat, serve Cream Cheese Brownies with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy topping complements the rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake flavors beautifully.
  4. Serve with Fresh Berries: Accompany Cream Cheese Brownies with a side of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the brownies and adds a pop of color to the plate.
  5. Presentation Matters: Arrange the brownies on a serving platter or individual dessert plates for a visually appealing presentation. Consider adding a sprig of fresh mint or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage Tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the brownies to cool completely before transferring them to the container to prevent condensation and maintain freshness.
  2. Reheating: To reheat refrigerated brownies, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them in 10-15 second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Freezing: Cream Cheese Brownies can be frozen for longer storage. Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen brownies in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  4. Portion Control: If you’re preparing Cream Cheese Brownies for meal prep or leftovers, consider cutting them into individual servings before storing. This makes it easier to grab a single serving when you’re craving a sweet treat without having to defrost the entire batch.

FAQs:

  1. Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for Cream Cheese Brownies?
    • While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and richness of the cream cheese swirl. Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best results, but you can experiment with reduced-fat options if preferred.
  2. Can I make Cream Cheese Brownies without cocoa powder?
    • Cocoa powder is essential for the chocolatey flavor of the brownie batter. However, if you don’t have cocoa powder on hand, you can try substituting it with melted chocolate or chocolate chips, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
  3. How do I achieve a marbled effect in Cream Cheese Brownies?
    • To create the marbled effect, spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers together. Be careful not to overmix to maintain distinct swirls.
  4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to Cream Cheese Brownies?
    • Absolutely! Feel free to customize your Cream Cheese Brownies by folding in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
  5. Are Cream Cheese Brownies suitable for vegetarians?
    • Yes, Cream Cheese Brownies are vegetarian-friendly as they do not contain any meat or animal-derived ingredients. However, be sure to use vegetarian-friendly versions of ingredients such as cream cheese and eggs if you adhere to a strict vegetarian diet.

Conclusion:

With their rich chocolatey flavor and creamy cheesecake swirl, our Cream Cheese Brownies are a dessert lover’s dream come true. Whether enjoyed as a sweet treat for yourself or shared with loved ones, these indulgent brownies are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you craving more. Follow our easy recipe and treat yourself to a taste of pure decadence with Cream Cheese Brownies today!

Leave a Comment