There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked brownies wafting through the kitchen. It’s a scent that brings my family together, drawing everyone to the heart of our home—the kitchen. As a dad who loves cooking for my family, I’ve found that food has this incredible power to create moments, memories, and connections. Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes: Cream Cheese Brownies. Picture a rich chocolate brownie base swirled with a luscious cream cheese topping—it’s the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. I can’t count the number of times these brownies have been the star at our family gatherings, disappearing as quickly as they come out of the oven. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe as much as my family does.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, these Cream Cheese Brownies are as straightforward as they are delicious. You don’t need to be a professional baker to whip these up.
- Kid-Friendly: The swirl of cream cheese not only looks appealing but also adds a delightful contrast to the chocolate, making it a hit with kids (and adults!) of all ages.
- Versatile and Fun: You can easily customize these brownies by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of your favorite fruit jam for a unique twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special celebration, these brownies are sure to impress your guests.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Brownies are the ultimate comfort food, providing that warm, cozy feeling with every bite. These are perfect for a sweet treat after a long day.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories: 288 per brownie
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (170 grams)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature and cut into quarters (113 grams)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (21 grams)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 grams)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (53 grams)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature (150 grams)
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract (6 grams)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (227 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 large egg, room temperature (50 grams)
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract (2 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt: In a double boiler over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Mix: Whisk in the cocoa powder and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Then, whisk in both sugars until completely combined. Add the eggs and whisk well before stirring in the vanilla and salt.
- Combine: Fold in the flour until just combined. Set aside.
- Cream Cheese Topping: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla, beating until well combined.
- Assemble: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about ¼ cup. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Drop the reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, then use a knife to swirl them together.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few fudgy crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a saucepan
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Provide a rich chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness; using unsalted allows you to control the salt level.
- Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding extra sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Offers a tangy contrast to the sweet brownie and creates a creamy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor, adding depth and warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure to the brownies, creating that perfect chewy texture.
- Sugar and Brown Sugar: The combination adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
What to Serve With This Dish
These Cream Cheese Brownies are delightful on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, here are a few pairing suggestions:
- A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The cool creaminess complements the warm, fudgy brownie.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh tang that balances the richness.
- Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it’s a classic pairing with any chocolate dessert.
For more dessert ideas, check out my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or the timeless Classic Cheesecake Recipe.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before serving.
For more tips on freezing baked goods, this helpful guide from King Arthur Baking provides excellent advice.
Cooking for family and friends is one of the greatest joys, and these Cream Cheese Brownies are a testament to that. They’re more than just a dessert—they’re a way to bring a little extra sweetness into those everyday moments. Whether you’re sharing them at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Happy baking!
Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a double boiler set over low heat, melt chocolate chips and butter, stirring occasionally, until smooth.
- Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the cocoa powder, then set it aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Whisk in the sugars and stir until completely combined. Add the eggs and whisk well.
- Stir in the vanilla and salt, then fold in the flour until just combined. Set aside and prepare the cream cheese topping.
- Place the cream cheese and sugar in a medium bowl, and use a hand mixer to beat until it’s combined and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about ¼ cup and setting it aside. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Drop the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, then use a knife to swirl the layers together.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with only a few fudgy crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting and serving.