Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cream cheese brownies! They’re the ultimate combination of rich chocolate flavor and creamy goodness that just melts in your mouth. I still remember the first time I made them for a gathering; everyone went absolutely wild! The blend of fudgy brownie topped with that luscious swirl of cream cheese is simply irresistible. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe close. They’re super easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion—birthdays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Plus, the best part? They’ll fill your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma while they bake. It’s pure joy in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg (for the cream cheese layer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese layer)
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Brownies
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want those brownies to bake evenly!
- While the oven is heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. I like to use a bit of butter or cooking spray—it helps the brownies come out nice and clean.
- Now, let’s melt that butter! In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it doesn’t burn. Once it’s all melted, remove it from the heat.
- Next, stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix it until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients! Gently fold in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until just combined. Don’t overmix—this will keep your brownies fudgy!
- In a separate bowl, let’s prepare the cream cheese layer. Beat together 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s all smooth and creamy. You want this to be nice and fluffy!
- Now we’re ready to layer! Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Next, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Use a spatula or a spoon to spread it out gently—don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a little swirl is totally fine!
- Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and spread it out. Now, it’s time to bake these beauties! Pop them in the oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once they’re baked, let them cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Oh, the anticipation will be worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent rich chocolate flavor with a creamy twist from the cream cheese
- Easy to prepare—perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers
- Always a crowd-pleaser at parties and gatherings
- Versatile—great for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy nights in
- The aroma while baking is simply heavenly and fills the whole kitchen
- Leftovers (if there are any!) stay moist and delicious for days
- Customizable—add chocolate chips or nuts for extra texture
Tips for Success
Now, I want to share some of my best tips to make sure your cream cheese brownies turn out absolutely perfect every time. Trust me; these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference!
- Use quality ingredients: The better your ingredients, the tastier your brownies will be! Go for high-quality cocoa powder and real vanilla extract; it really elevates the flavor.
- Don’t overmix: When combining your dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, and we definitely want them fudgy!
- Check your oven temperature: Ovens can be tricky! If you find your brownies often bake unevenly, invest in an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature.
- Adjust baking time: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake! Depending on your oven, they might need a few extra minutes or could be done a bit sooner. Start checking at the 30-minute mark.
- Let them cool: I know it’s hard to resist, but let your brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and makes cutting into squares much easier!
- Store properly: To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers (which is a big if!), you can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just be sure to wrap them tightly!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the best cream cheese brownies ever! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note before we dive into the numbers: the nutrition information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider these values as estimates. That said, here’s a rough breakdown for one delicious brownie:
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Enjoy knowing that your sweet treat is packed with flavor, and remember, moderation is key! Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Common Questions
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt. It’ll change the flavor a bit but still give you that creamy texture!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to save them for later, freeze them wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
You bet! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips is a fantastic way to elevate the flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently with the dry ingredients!
What if my brownies are too cakey?
If you find your brownies are too cakey, it could be due to overmixing or baking too long. Make sure to mix just until combined and keep an eye on them as they bake—each oven is different!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure to check that it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve baked a batch of these delicious cream cheese brownies, and now you’re wondering how to keep them fresh and tasty? I’ve got you covered! Here’s how to store and reheat them like a pro.
First off, if you have any leftovers (which is always a good problem to have), let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once they’re cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days. Just make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight—nobody likes a sunbaked brownie!
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just pull them out and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat them unless you want that warm, gooey feeling—then, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Yum!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll always have a delicious treat ready to go when those brownie cravings hit! Enjoy every last bite!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve baked these heavenly cream cheese brownies, let’s talk about how to make the experience even more delightful! Trust me, the right accompaniments can take your brownies to the next level. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a side of raspberries or strawberries for a burst of freshness that beautifully contrasts the richness of the brownies.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top creates a creamy, dreamy combination that’s hard to resist!
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm up your brownie slightly and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over your brownie for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
- Espresso or Coffee: Pair these brownies with a cup of rich espresso or coffee for a delightful contrast that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect dessert experience. Enjoy every decadent bite!
Print
Cream Cheese Brownies: 10 Tips for Perfectly Fudgy Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cream cheese brownies with a rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- For extra flavor, add chocolate chips to the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cream cheese brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert recipes
