Hey there, fellow food lover! Let me share with you a scrumptious treat that will surely satisfy your sweet tooth – cream cheese brownies! Picture a fudgy chocolate brownie swirled with ribbons of creamy, tangy cream cheese. It’s the perfect combination of indulgence and tanginess that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
These brownies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how the velvety smooth cream cheese complements the rich chocolate flavor. So, if you’re in the mood for a decadent dessert that will impress your friends and family, look no further than this heavenly cream cheese brownies recipe!
Ingredients for Making This Recipe
Brownies:
- 1 box (18.3 oz.) brownie mix (Buy the kind that makes a 9 x 13 pan)
- 2 large eggs (Follow package directions for the eggs, oil, and water. The measurements are for the brownie mix I purchased.)
- ½ cup oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder, optional
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 package (8 oz.) reduced fat cream cheese (see note)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions for Making Cream Cheese Brownies
- To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, get the 9 x 13 inch pan ready by applying a layer of nonstick spray.
- Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box to make the batter. Before adding the eggs, oil, and water, mix in the espresso powder if you are using it. Make sure to follow the directions on the package for your specific brownie mix. Then, gently mix in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to blend together cream cheese, egg, butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth. Gently incorporate ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the mixture.
- To put together: Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan. Then, distribute the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of brownie batter. Try to spread it out as evenly as possible so that it covers the brownie batter nicely. Lastly, spoon the remaining half of the brownie batter onto the cream cheese mixture to completely cover it.
- Cook in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it is done by inserting it about two inches from the side. If there is no batter sticking to the toothpick, it is ready. You can serve it while warm or let it cool down to room temperature.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Understand Your Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients can significantly affect the outcome of your brownies. Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor. When it comes to cocoa powder, you have options: natural cocoa powder gives a more intense chocolate flavor, while Dutch-processed cocoa powder offers a smoother, more mellow taste. Choose based on your preference.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before you start. This ensures a smoother, more homogenous batter, as cold ingredients can lead to a lumpy mixture.
Melting Chocolate and Butter: When melting chocolate and butter together, use low heat to avoid burning the chocolate. A double boiler works best, but you can also use a microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to ensure even melting.
Mixing the Batter: Avoid overmixing the batter once you’ve added the flour. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to brownies that are more cake-like than fudgy. Mix just until you no longer see streaks of flour.
Swirling Technique: For that beautiful swirl effect, don’t overdo it. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter. A few figure-eight motions should be enough to create a marbled effect without blending the two layers too much.
Testing for Doneness: Brownies are tricky to test for doneness since you might mistake melted chocolate for uncooked batter. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If it comes out clean, you might have overbaked them.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature Storage: If you plan to consume the cream cheese brownies within a couple of days, storing them in an airtight container at room temperature is fine. This keeps them moist and fudgy.
Refrigerating Your Brownies: For longer storage, place the brownies in an airtight container and refrigerate them. They can last up to 5 days this way. The cool temperature will also firm up the cream cheese, giving the brownies a slightly different texture.
Freezing for Longevity: Cream cheese brownies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reviving Brownies: If your brownies have hardened a bit during storage, a quick zap in the microwave can bring back their moist texture. Just a few seconds should be enough to make them feel freshly baked again.
Serving Suggestions
Ice Cream Pairing: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm brownie is a classic combo. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream complements the dense, fudgy brownie perfectly. For a twist, try red velvet, coffee, or mint chocolate chip ice cream.
With Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh berries can cut through the richness of the brownies. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries make great toppings and add a pop of color.
Coffee or Espresso: Serving these brownies with a strong coffee or espresso can enhance the chocolate flavor. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the brownies, making for a sophisticated dessert option.
Dessert Wine: For an adult gathering, pair your cream cheese brownies with a dessert wine like Port, which has the body and sweetness to complement the richness of the chocolate.
Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings: A dollop of whipped cream on top of each brownie, sprinkled with chocolate shavings, can add a lightness and elegance to your dessert presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boxed brownie mix? Yes, you can use a boxed mix as a base for this recipe. Just follow the mix instructions for the batter, then add the cream cheese layer as described. Keep in mind, though, that the quality and flavor might differ from homemade.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that substitutes on a 1:1 basis to ensure the texture remains similar.
How do I know if my brownies are undercooked? If the center of the brownie wobbles when you gently shake the pan, it’s not done yet. Also, if the toothpick comes out with wet batter (not just moist crumbs), it needs more time.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins? Yes, nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the brownie batter for added texture. You can also experiment with adding chocolate chunks, peanut butter chips, or swirls of caramel for different flavors.
Why did my cream cheese layer sink? If the cream cheese layer sinks into the brownie batter, it might be because the brownie batter was too thin or the cream cheese mixture too heavy. Make sure to follow the recipe measurements closely and swirl only lightly to prevent sinking.
Cream Cheese Brownies
INGREDIENTS
Brownies:
- 1 box 18.3 oz. brownie mix (Buy the kind that makes a 9 x 13 pan)
- 2 large eggs Follow package directions for the eggs, oil, and water. The measurements are for the brownie mix I purchased.
- ½ cup oil
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder optional
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 package 8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese (see note)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS
- To begin, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, get the 9 x 13 inch pan ready by applying a layer of nonstick spray.
- Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box to make the batter. Before adding the eggs, oil, and water, mix in the espresso powder if you are using it. Make sure to follow the directions on the package for your specific brownie mix. Then, gently mix in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to blend together cream cheese, egg, butter, sugar, flour, and vanilla until the mixture is smooth. Gently incorporate ½ cup of mini chocolate chips into the mixture.
- To put together: Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan. Then, distribute the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of brownie batter. Try to spread it out as evenly as possible so that it covers the brownie batter nicely. Lastly, spoon the remaining half of the brownie batter onto the cream cheese mixture to completely cover it.
- Cook in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it is done by inserting it about two inches from the side. If there is no batter sticking to the toothpick, it is ready. You can serve it while warm or let it cool down to room temperature.
