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Cream Cheese Brownies: The Ultimate Fudgy and Creamy Dessert Recipe

cream cheese brownies

These decadent Cream Cheese Brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate base with a smooth, tangy cheesecake swirl for the perfect dessert. Easy to make from scratch, they’re a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer:

  • 10 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup + 1½ tbsp cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup flour
  • 1½ tbsp water

Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep & Preheat

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line an 11×7-inch (or 8×8/9×9-inch) baking dish with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

2. Make the Brownie Batter

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate chips in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring until smooth.
  • Whisk in cocoa powder, then add brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla, and flour. Mix until just combined.
  • Spread ¾ of the batter into the prepared pan.

3. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer

  • Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
  • Mix in egg and vanilla on low speed until creamy.
  • Spread over the brownie layer.

4. Swirl & Bake

  • Stir 1½ tbsp cold water into the remaining brownie batter. Drop spoonfuls over the cream cheese layer.
  • Use a knife or chopstick to gently swirl the layers—avoid overmixing.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes until edges are set but the center is slightly gooey.

5. Cool & Serve

  • Let cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
  • Enjoy at room temperature or chilled!

Notes

✔ Room-temperature ingredients – Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
✔ Don’t overmix – Swirl gently to keep distinct layers.
✔ Check doneness – The edges should be set, but the center can be slightly gooey for fudgy brownies.
✔ Storage – Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

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