Cream cheese brownies are a delightful combination of rich chocolatey brownie and creamy cheesecake-like swirls. With a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself.
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 11×7 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips in the microwave at 1-minute intervals at 50% power until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cocoa powder until dissolved, then add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Mix until well combined.
- Spread 3/4 of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving the rest for later.
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
- Stir 1 1/2 tablespoons of cold water into the remaining brownie batter. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto the cream cheese layer.
- Use a knife or chopstick to swirl the brownie mixture into the cream cheese, creating a marbled pattern.
- 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.
Tips:
- For easier removal and cutting, let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the foil or parchment paper overhang.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Conclusion:
Cream cheese brownies offer a delightful twist on traditional brownies, combining the best of both worlds with their rich chocolatey base and creamy cheesecake swirls. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, these indulgent treats are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
1. Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are used in the recipe, you can experiment with different types of chocolate to suit your taste preferences. You can substitute dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor, or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter taste. You can also use chopped chocolate bars instead of chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor and varied texture. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness level accordingly based on the type of chocolate you choose.
2. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Cream cheese brownies can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Once baked and cooled completely, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply let them come to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the brownies for longer storage. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
3. How can I achieve the perfect swirl pattern on top of the brownies?
Creating a beautiful swirl pattern on top of the cream cheese brownies adds to their visual appeal and texture. To achieve this, follow these tips:
- Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Use a knife or chopstick to gently swirl the brownie batter into the cream cheese layer, making sure not to go too deep into the bottom brownie layer or over-swirl, as this can mix the layers too much and blur the distinct swirls.
- Aim for a marbled pattern with streaks of brownie batter and cream cheese mixture for an attractive finish.
- Be creative with your swirling technique, but remember that less is often more when it comes to achieving an elegant swirl pattern.
4. Can I customize this recipe to make it gluten-free or lower in sugar?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions. Here are some suggestions:
- For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free, including the chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
- To reduce the sugar content, you can decrease the amount of brown sugar and granulated sugar used in the recipe. You can also explore alternative sweeteners such as coconut sugar, stevia, or erythritol, keeping in mind that these may affect the texture and taste of the brownies slightly.
- Additionally, you can experiment with reducing the amount of butter used or replacing it with a healthier fat alternative such as coconut oil or avocado oil for a lighter version of the brownies.