Who can resist a fudgy brownie with a creamy layer of cheese? Introducing the ultimate indulgence for brownie lovers: Cream Cheese Brownies! Imagine biting into a soft, rich brownie, only to hit that delightful smooth layer of cream cheese that dances on your taste buds. These brownies are irresistibly good, boasting a perfect blend of textures; the dense brownie contrasts beautifully with the silky cream cheese. They make an exceptional treat for family gatherings or evening snacks.
I remember the first time I made these brownies—they quickly became a family favorite! My little cousin couldn’t believe they were homemade; he thought I had bought them from a fancy bakery. That’s the beauty of this recipe! It’s simple yet sophisticated, and just like my popular chocolate chip cookies, it’s one you’ll want to make time and again. So, if you’re ready to impress both friends and family, let’s dive into making these delectable Cream Cheese Brownies!
What is Cream Cheese Brownies?
Ah, the age-old question: What exactly are Cream Cheese Brownies? Are they a cake? A brownie? Or simply a love letter to dessert? It seems they are the best of all worlds! These brownies marry the chocolaty goodness of traditional brownies with an alluring layer of tangy cream cheese. It’s said that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these brownies may just hold the key!
You might be wondering how they got their name—did someone accidentally spill cheese on their brownies, or were they created as a clever way to sneak some dessert history into a guilty pleasure? Whichever way you slice it, you’ll want to make these brownies soon, so get those mixing bowls ready!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Brownies
These Cream Cheese Brownies are not just any ordinary dessert; they are the star of the table! Imagine serving up these brownies at your next gathering, and hearing the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as your guests take their first bites. What’s more, cooking at home means you can create this delicious treat without overspending on extravagant desserts at cafés.
And let’s talk about toppings! These brownies can be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a splash of fresh fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. The flavor combinations are endless! Compared to classic brownies, the creaminess elevates every bite, making these Cream Cheese Brownies a truly unforgettable treat. Are you ready to make your baking dreams come true?
How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
Quick Overview
Baking Cream Cheese Brownies couldn’t be easier! With just a few steps, you can create these luscious treats that are rich in flavor and texture. You’ll enjoy the combination of a soft, fudge-like brownie with a creamy, cheesy top that is simply irresistible. In just about 45 minutes of preparation and baking time, your kitchen will transform into a bakery filled with scrumptious smells.
Key Ingredients for Cream Cheese Brownies
- For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to customize your cream cheese layer with a hint of lemon or a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a delicious twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove it from heat and stir in the sugar until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs—this prevents cooking the eggs! Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until just combined.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Mixtures: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and spread it gently. Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, using a knife to swirl the two mixtures slightly for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow your brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Serve them at family gatherings and watch them disappear!
Top Tips for Perfecting Cream Cheese Brownies
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your brownie batter, mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain that fudgy texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature will help create a smoother batter.
- Test for Doneness: Every oven is different; start checking the brownies a couple of minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To keep your Cream Cheese Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before serving, just enough to soften them without losing their delightful texture.
Now that you have all the details to make your own Cream Cheese Brownies, it’s time to get baking! Your family will be asking for these treats on repeat—happy baking!
Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the sugar until well combined, then allow to cool slightly before adding the eggs, mixing in one at a time.
- Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, stirring until just combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, followed by the cream cheese mixture, spread gently. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and swirl slightly with a knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy!
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