Decadent Cream Cheese Marble Brownies
These Decadent Cream Cheese Marble Brownies are a showstopper dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. They combine the rich, fudgy texture of homemade brownies with a luxurious cream cheese swirl that offers a delightful tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering the essence of chocolate without overwhelming richness. The striking marbled pattern not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the flavor experience, making these brownies perfect for gatherings or special occasions. With a sturdy yet soft consistency, they're ideal for slicing and serving, ensuring that you can impress your guests while relishing this wonderful treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Sugar
2 1/3 cups (divided)
Eggs
3 (large)
Butter
1/2 cup (unsalted, melted)
Water
3/4 cup (cold)
Cocoa Powder
2/3 cup (unsweetened)
Flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
Baking Soda
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Vanilla Extract
1 teaspoon (none)
Sour Cream
1/2 cup (none)
Milk Chocolate Chips
1 cup (semi-sweet)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch pan or a similarly sized baking dish.
2
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1 egg. Mix until smooth and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the water and cocoa powder until fully combined and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to avoid burning.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, the remaining 2 cups of sugar, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, 2 eggs, and sour cream until well blended.
5
Gradually add the chocolate mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
6
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife to gently swirl it throughout for a marbled effect. Take care to not over mix, as you want to maintain the distinct layers.
7
Sprinkle the milk chocolate chips evenly over the top of the brownie batter.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownies comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Avoid letting the tops brown.
9
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of the Decadent Cream Cheese Marble Brownies?
These brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate texture with a luxurious, tangy cream cheese swirl that balances the sweetness.
What size pan is recommended for this recipe?
A 15 1/2 x 10 1/2-inch pan or a similarly sized baking dish should be used.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How many eggs are needed in total for the recipe?
A total of 3 large eggs are used: one for the cream cheese mixture and two for the brownie batter.
What kind of cocoa powder should I use?
The recipe specifies 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Grease and flour the baking pan before adding the batter to prevent sticking.
How is the cream cheese mixture made?
Combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1 egg, mixing until smooth.
How do I prepare the chocolate base?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan over low heat, then stir in 3/4 cup of water and 2/3 cup of cocoa powder until smooth.
What dry ingredients are whisked together for the batter?
Whisk together 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the purpose of the sour cream?
Sour cream is added to the batter to provide moisture and richness to the brownies.
How do I achieve the marbled effect?
Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and use a knife to gently swirl it throughout.
What should I avoid when swirling the cream cheese?
Take care not to over-mix the two batters, as you want to maintain distinct layers for the marbled appearance.
Are there any extra toppings added before baking?
Yes, sprinkle 1 cup of milk chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter before baking.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The center should be set and a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Should I let the brownies brown on top?
No, you should avoid letting the tops of the brownies brown during the baking process.
Why must the brownies cool completely before slicing?
Cooling in the pan allows the brownies to set properly, ensuring clean cuts and a better texture when serving.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted, melted butter.
Can I use cold water in the chocolate mixture?
Yes, the ingredients specify 3/4 cup of cold water.
How much sugar is used in the main brownie batter?
The main batter uses 2 cups of sugar, separate from the 1/3 cup used in the cream cheese swirl.
What is the total amount of flour needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
What kind of chocolate chips are used?
The recipe specifically lists milk chocolate chips, though semi-sweet can also be used.
How much baking soda is in the recipe?
One teaspoon of baking soda is used for leavening.
How much salt is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of the finished brownies?
They have a sturdy yet soft consistency that melts in your mouth.
How should the chocolate mixture be added to the dry ingredients?
Gradually add the chocolate mixture to the flour mixture, stirring until just combined.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F and grease and flour your baking pan.
Why are these brownies good for gatherings?
Their striking marbled pattern and balanced sweet-tangy flavor make them a visually appealing and crowd-pleasing dessert.