Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat: cream cheese brownies! These little squares of heaven are rich, fudgy, and swirled with a luscious cream cheese mixture that just takes them over the top. Trust me, the combination of chocolate and the creamy, tangy cream cheese is a match made in dessert paradise! I remember making these with my family during the holidays, and the smell wafting through the house was simply irresistible. It always felt like a cozy hug, bringing everyone together in the kitchen. Whether I’m making them for a gathering or just a sweet indulgence for myself, these brownies always hit the spot. You’ll want to try this recipe, and I promise you won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need to whip up these delightful cream cheese brownies. Make sure you have the right measurements ready, and let’s get started!
- 1 cup butter (unsalted, melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
How to Prepare Cream Cheese Brownies
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part of making these decadent cream cheese brownies! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to brownie bliss in no time!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a baking pan (I usually use a 9×13 inch one) and grease it well. This helps ensure your brownies won’t stick, making it easier to cut them later!
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Now, melt your butter in a saucepan over low heat. Once it’s nice and liquidy, stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Next, add in the flour and salt, mixing just until you don’t see any dry flour left. Don’t overmix—this keeps the brownies fudgy!
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. You want it to be smooth and creamy, with no lumps. This mixture is going to add that irresistible swirl of flavor!
Step 4: Layering the Batter
Pour half of your brownie batter into the greased baking pan and spread it out evenly. Then, gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, making sure it covers the surface. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter on top and use a knife to swirl it all together for that gorgeous marbled look!
Step 5: Baking and Cooling
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!). Once baked, let them cool in the pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This is the hardest part—waiting to cut into those fudgy squares!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight cravings!
- Luxuriously rich flavor that combines chocolate and cream cheese beautifully.
- Decadent, creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
- A simple recipe that impresses friends and family at any gathering.
- Perfectly sized for sharing, or for enjoying all by yourself (no judgment!).
Tips for Success
To make your cream cheese brownies absolutely perfect, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature—this helps everything blend together smoothly and creates that dreamy texture. When you’re mixing the cream cheese, it should be soft and creamy, with no lumps. Also, don’t skip the toothpick test! Insert it into the center after baking; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! Lastly, be patient while they cool—this will help them set up nicely and make cutting easier. Enjoy the process! You’ve got this!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. Each serving of these delicious cream cheese brownies contains approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
Enjoy these treats in moderation as part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious cream cheese brownies? No worries! Here are some common queries answered just for you!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake these cream cheese brownies a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They actually taste even better after a day of sitting, as the flavors meld together beautifully!
What should I do if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone or even ricotta cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a bit different, but still delicious!
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Oh, definitely! If you love a bit of crunch, feel free to fold in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the brownie batter before layering. It adds a delightful texture that complements the creaminess perfectly!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them if you prefer them chilled, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, and you’ll have delicious gluten-free cream cheese brownies that everyone can enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover cream cheese brownies fresh, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. If you want to enjoy them warm, just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds—just be careful not to overheat! A warm brownie with a scoop of ice cream is pure bliss!
For more delicious dessert recipes, check out this creamy cheesecake recipe that is sure to impress!
Imprimer
Cream cheese brownies that melt in your mouth every time
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 16 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious cream cheese brownies with a rich flavor.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a baking pan.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add flour and salt; mix until combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and cocoa.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the batter.
- Top with remaining brownie batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream for a treat.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 square
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 9g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: cream cheese brownies, dessert, chocolate brownies
