Name: Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅔ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you think brownies can’t get better, just wait until you experience Cream Cheese Brownies! Picture fudgy, rich chocolate swirled together with a ribbon of tangy, sweet cream cheese—that’s pure bliss in every bite. With their striking marbled top and irresistibly moist crumb, these brownies are a show-stopping treat great for bake sales, parties, or just a cozy evening in. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking to shake up your dessert routine, Cream Cheese Brownies are sure to become your go-to indulgence.

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for Cream Cheese Brownies is simple and straightforward, but each ingredient makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture. The combination of real chocolate, fresh eggs, and creamy cheese creates those beautiful, iconic swirls and a decadent bite that’s impossible to resist.

Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Delivers a deep chocolate flavor and fudgy richness that’s the backbone of these brownies.
Unsalted butter (½ cup): Adds a smooth, buttery texture and helps blend the chocolate into a glossy batter.
Granulated sugar (1 cup for brownies, ¼ cup for cream cheese layer): Sweetens both layers and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
Large eggs (2 for brownies, 1 for cream cheese layer): Provide structure and keep the brownies moist and chewy.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for brownies, ½ teaspoon for cream cheese layer): Enhances both the chocolate and cream cheese flavors.
All-purpose flour (⅔ cup): Just the right amount to give the brownies their soft, dense crumb.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch lifts the flavors and cuts through the sweetness.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The star ingredient for marble swirls and creamy flavor—softened for smooth blending.

How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it—this will make lifting the brownies out for perfect squares a breeze later on.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

In a small saucepan set over low heat, gently melt together the semisweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and luscious, then remove it from heat and let cool just a bit. This step ensures your brownies have a rich base without scrambling the eggs later.

Step 3: Mix Brownie Batter

Whisk in 1 cup granulated sugar to the slightly cooled chocolate mixture, then add the eggs and vanilla. Make sure everything is combined smoothly—no streaks of egg left behind! Stir in the flour and salt until just incorporated. This keeps the texture fudgy instead of cakey.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed for the best marbled effect!

Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter

Pour almost all of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, reserving about ¼ cup for swirling magic later. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Then, drop spoonfuls of your reserved brownie batter onto the surface and use a knife to swirl and create that gorgeous Cream Cheese Brownies signature look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. For ultimate fudginess, slightly underbake and allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing. The waiting is the hardest part, but the reward is so worth it.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Brownies

Garnishes

Add a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a handful of fresh berries on top for an elevated look. These finishing touches bring out the beautiful marbled swirls and add an irresistible layer of flavor or color.

Side Dishes

While Cream Cheese Brownies are delicious all on their own, try pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of cold and creamy against warm, chocolatey goodness truly makes for a decadent dessert experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the brownies cut into miniature squares for a party platter, stack them tall for dramatic effect, or wrap individual pieces in wax paper for thoughtful homemade gifts. You can even sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two brownies for the ultimate Cream Cheese Brownies ice cream sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a few brownies left after your chocolate fix? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The cream cheese layer keeps them extra-moist, and they actually get even fudgier after a day or two.

Freezing

Cream Cheese Brownies freeze beautifully! Once cooled completely, arrange them in a single layer in a container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll hold their flavor and texture for up to three months—simply thaw at room temperature before eating.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked warmth, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The chocolate turns melty, and the cream cheese filling softens up perfectly, making every bite feel indulgent all over again.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap semisweet chocolate for milk chocolate, but keep in mind the brownies will be a bit sweeter and less intensely chocolatey. If you love a milder chocolate taste, it’s a great variation!

Do Cream Cheese Brownies need to be refrigerated?

Because of the cream cheese layer, it’s best to store these brownies in the refrigerator. This keeps them safe to eat longer and helps maintain that delicious, moist texture.

How do I get a perfect swirl on top?

Drop spoonfuls of reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese layer in random spots, then gently drag a butter knife through the two layers. Avoid over-mixing, so you get pretty, defined marbling rather than a blended layer.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Start checking for doneness around 40 minutes, but the baking time may vary slightly.

What should I do if my cream cheese is lumpy?

Let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature before mixing, and beat it with the sugar until completely smooth before adding the other ingredients. Lumps mean it’s too cold or not mixed long enough.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that combines both cheesecake and classic brownies, Cream Cheese Brownies are your answer. Every marbled bite is ultra-satisfying and sure to please any crowd. Don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this swoon-worthy treat today!

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

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4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent combination of rich chocolate brownies swirled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer. These Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect blend of fudgy and cheesecake flavors, making them a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅔ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Combine Brownie Batter: Whisk in 1 cup sugar, then the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined. Stir in the flour and salt until just incorporated.
Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
Layer and Swirl: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about ¼ cup for swirling. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and swirl gently with a knife.
Bake and Cool: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely before cutting into squares.