Sink your teeth into the perfect combination of rich chocolatey goodness and creamy cheesecake bliss with our Cream Cheese Brownies recipe. These indulgent treats marry the dense, fudgy texture of brownies with the velvety smoothness of cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re craving a sweet pick-me-up or preparing for a special occasion, these decadent brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving for more. Join us as we dive into the world of baking and discover the magic of Cream Cheese Brownies.
Ingredients:
- 5 Eggs
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
- 1 cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 tsp Salt
- 3 1/2 cups Sugar
- 1 1/3 tbsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup Butter
- 8 oz Cream cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare Chocolate Batter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together in short bursts, stirring frequently until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the remaining eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and fluffy.
- Combine Batter: Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring until well combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until just incorporated.
- Layer Batter: Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate batter. Carefully spread the remaining chocolate batter over the cream cheese layer.
- Swirl: Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the chocolate batter before baking.
- Extra Chocolate: Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top of the brownie batter before baking for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts such as almond or peppermint for a unique flavor twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Cream Cheese Brownies: Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar. Ensure the chocolate chips are sugar-free or use chopped dark chocolate with a high cocoa content.
Low-Carb Cream Cheese Brownies: Reduce the amount of sugar and flour by half, or substitute with a low-carb alternative such as coconut flour or oat fiber. Use sugar-free chocolate chips and a low-carb sweetener to reduce the carbohydrate content further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips for the brownie batter? A: Yes, cocoa powder can be used as a substitute for chocolate chips. However, you may need to adjust the amount of fat and sugar in the recipe to achieve the desired texture and sweetness.
Q: Can I freeze Cream Cheese Brownies? A: Yes, Cream Cheese Brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Cream Cheese Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers and cheesecake enthusiasts alike. With their irresistible combination of rich chocolate flavor and creamy cheesecake swirls, these decadent treats are guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re enjoying them as a dessert for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet treat, Cream Cheese Brownies are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Try out this recipe today and experience the perfect harmony of chocolate and cream cheese in every bite!
