Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy goodness with this cream cheese brownies recipe. The combination of fudgy brownies and a smooth cream cheese filling creates a deliciously decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply indulging yourself, these brownies are sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 generous servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 brownie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 290
– Total Fat: 16g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Cholesterol: 80mg
– Sodium: 150mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 34g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 20g
– Protein: 4g
This information is based on one brownie.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3. Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar until well combined.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
8. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
9. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
10. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then add the remaining brownie batter on top. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsweetened cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa for a deeper flavor. For a gluten-free option, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for a lighter version.
Serving and Pairings
These cream cheese brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for an indulgent experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Cooking Mistakes
– Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies.
– Not properly greasing the pan can cause sticking.
– Using cold eggs can affect the batter consistency.
– Letting the brownies cool completely before cutting is key for clean edges.
– Not swirling the cream cheese mixture enough can result in uneven flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Use high-quality cocoa powder for better flavor.
– Let the brownies cool completely before serving for the best texture.
– For extra richness, add chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
– Experiment with flavors by adding espresso powder to the batter.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They actually taste better after a day as the flavors meld.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese is traditional, you can experiment with mascarpone for a different texture and flavor.
What can I do if my brownies are too dry?
If your brownies turn out dry, try adding a little more butter or an extra egg next time to keep them moist.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be folded into the brownie batter for added crunch.
How should I cut the brownies for clean edges?
Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to achieve clean edges on each brownie.
Conclusion
This cream cheese brownies recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts. With its creamy swirl and fudgy texture, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just treating yourself, these brownies are sure to deliver satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy!
Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, then add the remaining brownie batter on top. Swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Nutrition
