Indulgent Cream Cheese Brownies For Your Next Party

Cream cheese brownies are the ultimate party treat, whether you are having a party or just snacking with friends, these brownies give you the best of both worlds, a dense, fudgy chocolate base and a creamy, tangy swirl of cream cheese. The balance of the dense brownie and smooth filling is a dessert everyone will love.

As you make these indulgent brownies you will find they are super easy to make but the payoff is huge. The cream cheese filling blends seamlessly with the chocolate and is a delightful contrast in every bite. Plus the cream cheese adds an unexpected twist that will have your guests coming back for more. Whether you serve them warm or chilled these brownies will be a hit at any gathering.

The indulgence of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the tangy cream cheese, it is a treat that is satisfying, comforting and delicious. So if you are looking for a dessert that is easy and indulgent these cream cheese brownies will be your go-to recipe for your next party.

How To Bake Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies with a rich, fudgy chocolate base and a tangy, creamy swirl of cream cheese. Let’s get started with this easy-to-make, but good treat!

Ingredients:

For the Brownie Base:

• 1/2 cup (113g) melted butter
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (65g) flour
• 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 200g cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies later.
2. In a large bowl combine the melted butter and sugar. Mix until sugar is dissolved and smooth.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking powder. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. In another bowl beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla and mix until combined.
6. If the mixture is a bit lumpy use a hand mixer to smooth it out.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
9. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie base to create a marbled effect.
10. Put the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
11. Let cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
12. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

5 Tips to Make Perfect Cream Cheese Brownies

1. Use Room Temp Cream Cheese

Make sure your cream cheese is at room temp, cold cream cheese will be hard to mix and you will get lumps in the swirl. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before using. That way it will be smooth and blend with the sugar and egg and create a creamy swirl on top of the brownie base.

2. Do Not Overmix The Batter

When making the brownie base, do not overmix when you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing will give you dense and cakey brownies instead of the fudgy texture you want. Stir just until everything is combined so the batter is light and tender.

3. Use Good Quality Cocoa Powder

The cocoa powder you use makes a big difference in the flavor of your brownies. Use high quality, unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep chocolate flavor. Sift the cocoa powder with the dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure it is evenly distributed in the batter.

4. Do Not Skip The Cream Cheese Swirl

The cream cheese swirl is what makes these brownies special. To get the swirl just right, spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and then use a knife or toothpick to swirl gently. Do not over-mix the swirl into the batter, it should be distinct swirls not fully incorporated.

5. Do Not Overdo The baking Powder

Brownies do not need as much leavening as cakes do. The baking powder helps the brownie rise a little but too much will make the texture too airy. Stick to the amount called for (1/4 teaspoon) for a dense fudgy texture. Too much will give you a cakier texture which is not ideal for brownies.