If you’re a lover of all things chocolate and cheesecake, get ready for your new obsession: Cream Cheese Brownies. Imagine the irresistible pairing of ultra-fudgy brownies swirled together with a luscious, tangy cheesecake ribbon—every bite hits that sweet spot between comfort and decadence. These brownies are perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or a cozy night in when you want something homemade and special. Whether you serve them chilled or warm, they never fail to steal the spotlight on any dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about Cream Cheese Brownies is how a handful of pantry staples and simple fridge essentials can come together for such a show-stopping treat. Each ingredient is chosen to build flavor, texture, and that classic marbled appearance everyone loves.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Makes the brownies ultra-rich and ensures a soft, fudgy crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the brownie and cream cheese layers, melding the flavors together.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and moisture while making the brownies nice and chewy.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens flavor and gives both layers their undeniable bakery-style aroma.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: The source of all that deep, chocolaty goodness!
- All-purpose flour: Creates just the right amount of lift and keeps things tender without getting cake-like.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder: A tiny bit goes a long way to give just the right thickness.
- Cream cheese, softened: Key for that creamy, tangy swirl—make sure it’s soft for smooth mixing.
- Granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer): Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the cheese.
- Large egg (for cream cheese layer): Helps make the cream cheese swirl rich and custardy.
- Vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer): Enhances the tang and rounds out the creamy flavor.
How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start your Cream Cheese Brownie journey by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—consistency is key for gooey, perfectly baked brownies. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, making sure there’s some overhang for easy brownie removal later. This little bit of prep work guarantees an easy release and picture-perfect slices.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Whisk the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar together in a large bowl until glossy and combined. Add the two eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, then whip until everything looks smooth and a little frothy. Next, gently fold in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined—don’t overmix! Reserving a quarter cup of this batter for swirling will transform your brownies from delicious to downright stunning.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of sugar, one egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is silky-smooth, with no lumps in sight. This creamy layer is what gives Cream Cheese Brownies their classic marbled look and cheesecake flavor, so take a moment to get it right.
Step 4: Assemble and Swirl
Pour most of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it right to the edges. Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie base—little dollops help for even coverage. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a skewer or knife to gently swirl everything together. Swirling is half the fun, and every batch turns out with its own unique artistry!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. When a toothpick inserted near the corner (not the very center) comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re all set. Avoid overbaking to keep those brownies perfectly fudgy. Let them cool in the pan for at least an hour before slicing, which allows the swirls to set beautifully.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Brownies
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate once the brownies are cool. A few fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream on top can elevate them into an eye-catching dessert for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Cream Cheese Brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries. The brownies’ richness complements simple, creamy, or tangy sides—think crème fraîche or even a tangy yogurt parfait if you’re feeling adventurous.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these brownies for a party, cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy snacking. Or stack them up on a bright cake stand for a beautiful centerpiece that tempts your guests long before dessert is served!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their creamy texture. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days—if you can resist them for that long!
Freezing
For easy future treats, wrap cooled brownies tightly in plastic, then foil, and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months. To serve, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you love your Cream Cheese Brownies warm, zap a piece in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The chocolate gets wonderfully gooey again, and the creamy swirl becomes irresistibly soft—just like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye out and use the toothpick test.
Do I have to use unsalted butter?
Unsalted butter lets you control the salt in the recipe, but you can use salted butter in a pinch. If you do, just reduce the added salt by half.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stir a handful of chocolate chips or your favorite chopped nuts into the brownie batter before assembling the layers for extra flavor and crunch.
How do I get a perfect swirl every time?
For neat, beautiful marbling, use a skewer or the tip of a butter knife and gently drag it back and forth through the batters. Don’t over-swirl; a few passes are all you need for gorgeous results.
Are Cream Cheese Brownies best served warm or cold?
They’re delicious both ways! Slightly warm, the brownies are gooey and soft; chilled, the cream cheese layer becomes dense and cheesecake-like. Many people even prefer Cream Cheese Brownies straight from the fridge!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Cream Cheese Brownies before, this is your sign to give them a try. They’re an easy, rewarding bake that combines the best of two dessert worlds in every heavenly bite. I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you—don’t forget to enjoy every swirl!
Print
Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent goodness of these Cream Cheese Brownies. A luscious marriage of fudgy chocolate brownie and creamy cheesecake swirl, these treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- Layering: Pour most of the brownie batter into the pan, reserving some for swirling. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Drop spoonfuls of reserved batter on top and swirl for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean. Cool completely before cutting.
Notes
- For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and chill before slicing.
- You can add chocolate chips or swirl in raspberry jam for variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
