Cream cheese brownies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese, creating a decadent treat that’s hard to resist. In this article, I’ll be sharing my go-to recipe for cream cheese brownies, as well as some tips and tricks for making them perfectly every time.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Brownies
Before we get started, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these delicious brownies:
· 1 cup unsalted butter
· 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
· 2 cups granulated sugar
· 3 large eggs
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 1/2 teaspoon salt
· 1 cup all-purpose flour
· 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
· 1/3 cup granulated sugar
· 1 large egg
· 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
One thing I love about this recipe is that it doesn’t require any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients. Everything can be found at your local grocery store.
Steps to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
To make the brownies, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and well combined. Remove from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
- Add the flour to the bowl and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chocolate layer. Pour the remaining chocolate batter over the cream cheese layer.
- Use a knife or spatula to swirl the two layers together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the brownies.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Making Perfect Cream Cheese Brownies
While this recipe is relatively straightforward, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind to help you make the perfect batch of cream cheese brownies:
- Be sure to let the chocolate mixture cool for 5 minutes before adding it to the egg and sugar mixture. If it’s too hot, it can cook the eggs and ruin the consistency of the batter.
- When swirling the two layers together, be careful not to overdo it. You want to create a marbled effect, but you don’t want to mix the two layers together completely.
- To make slicing the brownies easier, chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
- If you prefer a more fudgy brownie, bake them for a few minutes less than the recommended time. If you like them a bit more cake-like, bake them for a few minutes longer.
- Don’t forget to grease your baking pan well to prevent sticking.
Variations to the Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
While this recipe is delicious as is, there are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the chocolate batter before pouring it into the pan.
- Mix in 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the cream cheese mixture for an extra chocolatey twist.
- Swap out the unsweetened chocolate for semisweet or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the chocolate batter for a festive holiday twist.
Storage and Freezing Tips for Cream Cheese Brownies
If you don’t finish all the brownies in one sitting (which is highly unlikely), you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay fresh for even longer if you store them in the refrigerator.
If you want to freeze the brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply let them sit out at room temperature for a few hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cream Cheese Brownies
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use semisweet or dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. Just keep in mind that the brownies will be slightly sweeter if you do.
Q: Can I use a different type of pan?
A: Yes, you can use a smaller or larger pan, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you prefer. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Cream Cheese Brownies
Cream cheese brownies are the perfect treat for any chocolate lover. They’re rich, decadent, and oh-so-delicious. With this recipe and a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make them perfectly every time. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
