Print

Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 10 reviews

Delicious and fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies featuring a rich chocolate base swirled with a creamy vanilla cheesecake layer, baked to perfection with a shiny crackly crust. This dessert combines the best of both worlds with indulgent chocolate brownie and smooth cream cheese swirls, perfect for sharing or special occasions.

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 Swirl

  • 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

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with a rack set in the center. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with foil or parchment paper, leaving a couple inches of overhang on two sides for easy removal. Grease the foil or parchment paper thoroughly.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with ½ cup melted unsalted butter while it’s still warm. Let sit without stirring for 5 minutes to dissolve some sugar, then whisk vigorously for 30 seconds. Add 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon water, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, whisking again for 30 seconds until smooth.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the cocoa powder, ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt over the wet mix. Use a rubber spatula to fold together until the batter is glossy and well combined without overmixing.
  4. Divide Brownie Batter: Scoop out about one third of the brownie batter and set aside for the swirl layer. Stir ½ cup chocolate chips into the remaining batter. Spread this main brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  5. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer paddle attachment, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 large egg white, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat until just combined and smooth, scraping sides as needed, being careful not to overbeat.
  6. Create Swirls: Using two tablespoons, alternate dropping dollops of the cream cheese mixture and reserved brownie batter over the top of the batter in the pan. Use the tip of a sharp knife to gently swirl the mixtures together with slow figure 8 or back and forth motions. Avoid swirling too deep; you want visible swirls on top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 32 to 37 minutes until mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the cream cheese areas. Test with a toothpick; moist fudgy crumbs and melted chocolate are fine. If the cream cheese swirls begin to brown too much, loosely cover with foil during the last 5 minutes.
  8. Cool Completely: Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely, which will take several hours. Lift brownies out using the foil or parchment overhang, then cut into 12 servings and enjoy.

Notes

  • Allow the melted butter and sugar mixture to rest before whisking to help create a shiny and crackly brownie crust.
  • Do not overbeat the cream cheese mixture to avoid a dense texture.
  • If cream cheese swirls brown too fast, loosely cover with foil to prevent burning.
  • Cooling completely is key to set the brownies and make slicing easier.
  • You can substitute chocolate chips with chunks or chunks of your favorite chocolate for varied texture.
  • Use parchment or foil with overhang to lift brownies easily without breaking.

Find it online: https://glowcooks.com/cream-cheese-swirled-brownies-recipe/