Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 16 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days at room temperatureQuick Answer
To make Cream Cheese Brownies, layer a fudgy chocolate brownie batter with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture, then bake until set for a delicious dessert.As the chill settles into the air here in New York City and the leaves start to turn vibrant shades of red and orange, I find myself daydreaming about cozy baking sessions that warm the home and fill it with the enticing aroma of chocolate. With the holiday season just around the corner, I'm excited to share a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen: Cream Cheese Brownies. These decadent treats are the perfect mash-up of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and luscious cream cheese, making them an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving gatherings or holiday parties.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy, sweet cream cheese.
- Easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings, these brownies are sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile and customizable; add chocolate chips or serve warm with ice cream for an extra treat.
- Stores well, making it easy to prepare ahead of time-enjoy them fresh for days!
- Achieve that bakery-quality texture and flavor right at home!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your Cream Cheese Brownies:
For the brownie layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
For the cream cheese layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to create your delicious Cream Cheese Brownies:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Mixture
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly, then add 2 large eggs, one at a time, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together ⅓ cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat together the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until completely homogenous.
Step 5: Assemble the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and smooth it out.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Start checking around 25 minutes; the edges should be set while the center has a slight jiggle. Let them cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't skip the cooling time: Ensure the butter mixture isn't too hot when adding the eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Avoid overmixing your batter once the flour is added to maintain a fudgy texture.
- Don't skip the marbling step: Swirling the cream cheese layer enhances both visual appeal and flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For added richness, consider including a handful of chocolate chips in the brownie batter.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for a decadent dessert.
- These brownies can be made ahead of time; they store well in an airtight container and can be frozen for future enjoyment.
Variations
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the brownie batter for extra texture.
- Use flavored cream cheese, such as almond or chocolate, for a different taste profile.
- Top the brownies with a layer of your favorite frosting for a richer dessert experience.
How to Serve
- Cut into squares and dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant presentation.
- Serve with fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea to enhance the chocolate flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: These brownies can be prepared in advance and stored for convenience.
- Storage: Keep your Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Reheating: Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for a gooey texture.
- Freezing: They can be frozen for up to 3 months-just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this recipe, I discovered that allowing the brownies to cool completely helps in achieving the perfect texture when cutting into squares. Additionally, the creamy layer isn't just a delightful surprise; it also balances the richness of the chocolate beautifully, making these brownies a crowd-pleaser at any holiday event.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 16 brownies · Serving Size: 1 brownie
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~220 calories · 3g protein · 30g carbs · 10g fat
Recipe by:
Cream Cheese Brownies: A Holiday Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Allow it to cool slightly, then add 2 large eggs, one at a time, along with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together ⅓ cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Beat together the softened cream cheese and ¼ cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until completely homogenous.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and smooth it out.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Start checking around 25 minutes; the edges should be set while the center has a slight jiggle. Let them cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of cheese instead of cream cheese?
While cream cheese is the best option for this recipe due to its creaminess and flavor, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta, but the texture and taste will vary.
2. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when the edges are set and pulling away from the sides, while the center still has a slight jiggle. Starting to check at around 25 minutes is a good rule of thumb.
3. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
4. Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing the batter can lead to tough brownies instead of achieving the desired fudgy texture. It's best to mix just until combined.
5. How can I enhance the flavor of these brownies?
Consider adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter or serving them warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
