Cream Cheese Brownies
Table of Contents
There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked brownies wafting through a cozy kitchen. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s as comforting as a warm embrace on a chilly afternoon: Cream Cheese Brownies. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie swirled with creamy, tangy cream cheese — it’s a treat that transports you back to childhood, where kitchen counters were lined with mixing bowls, and every meal was made with love.
These Cream Cheese Brownies bring a splash of nostalgia and warmth, offering a few delightful benefits to brighten your baking experience. First, their velvety texture and balanced sweetness make them a perfect dessert for family gatherings, capturing the essence of home. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand, making them a hassle-free addition to your dessert repertoire. Plus, the combination of chocolate and cream cheese is a match made in heaven, satisfying your sweet tooth while adding a touch of sophistication. Finally, these brownies are versatile, perfect for any occasion from casual get-togethers to elegant dinner parties.
Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table
Every bite of these Cream Cheese Brownies is a journey back to simpler times. They’re not just a dessert; they’re a memory. Picture the smile on your child’s face as they help you swirl the cream cheese into the chocolate batter, or imagine sharing this indulgent treat with friends over a cup of coffee. These brownies embody the heart of Easy Peasy Recipes — bringing people together with the warmth of homemade goodness. They’re a delightful reminder that the best moments in life are often shared around the kitchen table.
This recipe is your gateway to creating cherished memories. The act of baking together, the laughter shared over a messy counter, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious — all contribute to the joy of cooking. Plus, these brownies are a great way to introduce little ones to baking. The swirling of cream cheese into the chocolate batter is an especially fun task for kids, sparking creativity and teaching them the importance of following steps in a recipe. It’s an opportunity for connection, learning, and, of course, enjoying a delicious payoff at the end.
Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
To keep this recipe as Easy Peasy as possible, gather these kitchen essentials: a large mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, a rubber or silicone spatula, an 8×8-inch baking pan, and parchment paper or foil. A sharp knife will help you create those beautiful swirls, and a cooling rack is key to allowing your brownies to set perfectly. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll breeze through the process and have plenty of time to savor each delicious bite.
Using a hand or stand mixer ensures your cream cheese mixture is smooth, preventing lumps that can disrupt the texture of your brownies. The rubber spatula is perfect for gently folding in ingredients without overmixing — a crucial step for maintaining the desired fudgy texture. The parchment paper not only makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan but also simplifies cleanup, leaving you more time to enjoy your creation rather than scrubbing pans. Each tool plays a vital role in ensuring your baking experience is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy
INGREDIENTS
Brownie batter:
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, still warm/hot
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon water
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ cup chocolate chips
Cream cheese mixture:
– 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg white
– ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Line an 8×8* pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. Grease the foil/parchment.
- Combine granulated sugar and hot butter in a large bowl. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Add eggs, water, and vanilla, whisk for 30 seconds more.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder, flour, and salt over wet ingredients. Stir until glossy and combined.
- Set aside one-third of the brownie mixture for the swirl layer. Stir chocolate chips into remaining batter, then spread in prepared pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, flour, egg white, and vanilla until combined.
- Alternate dropping portions of cream cheese and reserved brownie batter over the batter in the pan. Swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 32-37 minutes until mostly set. Check with a toothpick; moist crumbs are okay. Cool completely on a rack.
Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 20 minutes • Cooking Time: 37 minutes • Total Time: 57 minutes • Calories: 320 • Servings: 9
Note: If your cream cheese swirls start to darken, cover with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients
Each ingredient in these Cream Cheese Brownies brings its own unique charm to the table. The unsweetened cocoa powder adds a deep, rich chocolate flavor while offering a boost of antioxidants. Cocoa is known for its potential heart-healthy benefits and mood-enhancing properties, making it a delightful addition to your dessert. Cream cheese not only provides a creamy texture but also infuses the brownies with a tangy depth that balances the sweetness beautifully. This tanginess, combined with its creamy consistency, creates a sophisticated contrast to the fudgy brownie.
The eggs add structure and richness, ensuring the brownies hold together while providing a tender crumb. Meanwhile, the chocolate chips give you delightful pockets of melty goodness, enhancing the chocolatey experience with every bite. Together, these ingredients create a dessert that’s indulgent yet comforting. For those looking to adjust the recipe, consider using dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, more intense chocolate experience. This swap not only reduces sugar content but also amplifies the chocolate’s natural flavors.
Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish
Pair these Cream Cheese Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combo that’s hard to beat. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, fudgy brownies, creating a sensory delight. If you’re in the mood for something cozy, a steaming cup of coffee or espresso will complement the rich chocolate flavors perfectly. The bitterness of coffee enhances the sweetness of the brownies, making each bite more indulgent.
Alternatively, a glass of cold milk adds a nostalgic touch that’s reminiscent of childhood snack times. The simplicity of milk balances the richness of the brownies, making it a comforting choice for any age. For a more sophisticated pairing, try a dessert wine like port or a rich, full-bodied red wine that can stand up to the intense flavors of the brownies. The tannins in red wine can cut through the creaminess of the cheese, offering a balanced, elegant end to a meal. Whether it’s a casual afternoon treat or an elegant dinner party finale, these brownies fit right in.
Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way
To store your Cream Cheese Brownies, let them cool completely before cutting into squares. This step is crucial to prevent the brownies from becoming too crumbly when sliced. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate them for up to a week. The cool environment helps maintain their texture and flavor, making them just as delicious days later.
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the brownies in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. This method preserves their freshness, allowing you to enjoy them anytime you crave a sweet treat. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or give them a quick zap in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. The heat will revive the brownies’ fudgy texture and melt the chocolate chips, making them taste freshly baked.
These Cream Cheese Brownies are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of the little joys in life. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone, they remind us of the simple pleasures found in homemade creations. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen be filled with the comforting aroma of chocolate and cream cheese. It’s these moments that make life deliciously memorable.
Pin this Easy Peasy recipe!
Love this recipe? Pin the image below to your favorite Pinterest boards and bring a little Easy Peasy comfort to your kitchen whenever you need it.
Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F with a rack in the center. Line an 8×8 pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides. Grease the foil/parchment.
- Combine granulated sugar and hot butter in a large bowl. Stir briefly, then let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. Add eggs, water, and vanilla extract, whisking for another 30 seconds. Remove whisk.
- Sprinkle cocoa powder, flour, and salt over wet ingredients. Stir until glossy and well combined. Reserve one third of the brownie mixture for swirling. Stir chocolate chips into remaining batter and spread in prepared pan.
- Using a mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, flour, egg white, and vanilla. Beat until combined, scraping sides as necessary. Do not overbeat.
- Alternate dropping cream cheese and reserved brownie batter over the batter in the pan. Use a knife to swirl together, creating visible swirls. Bake for 32-37 minutes until mostly set with slight jiggle in cheesecake areas. Avoid overbaking.
- If cheesecake swirls darken, loosely cover with foil for the last 5 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely on a rack for several hours.
