Decadent Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Indulge in these Decadent Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies that combine the richness of chocolate with the creamy delight of a tangy cream cheese layer. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flavors, where the fudgy brownie meets a luscious cream cheese mix, creating an irresistible treat. Follow the steps carefully to ensure that your brownies emerge from the oven as a glorious testament to chocolaty goodness. Perfect for sharing but hard to resist — these brownies are pure bliss!
N/A
Servings
130
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream cheese
4 ounces (at room temperature)
Egg yolk
1 (at room temperature)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Sugar
2 tablespoons
Flour
1 tablespoon
Sweet butter
5 tablespoons
Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
5 ounces
Eggs
2 (at room temperature)
Sugar
3/4 cup
Flour
1/2 cup
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon
Semisweet chocolate chips
1/2-1 cup
Coarsely chopped nuts
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lightly grease an 8x8-inch square baking pan.
2
In a mixer bowl, blend the cream cheese until smooth using the paddle attachment.
3
Add egg yolk, vanilla, sugar, and flour into the cream cheese bowl. Beat well, ensuring to scrape down any stubborn batter clinging to the sides.
4
In a separate bowl, melt sweet butter and semisweet or bittersweet chocolate together until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
5
In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is thick and a pale lemon color.
6
Gradually mix in the cooled chocolate mixture until just combined, scraping the sides of the bowl again.
7
Stir in the flour, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and half to one cup of chocolate chips until the batter is well combined.
8
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly.
9
Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Don’t worry about spreading it completely; it will settle during baking.
10
Spoon the remaining brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading gently to avoid mixing.
11
Using a knife, create a gentle swirl pattern by drawing it through the two batters, making sure not to fully combine them.
12
Sprinkle the coarsely chopped nuts over the top for an added crunch.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Watch carefully for the sides to brown slightly, but do not wait for a clean tester; this could lead to dry brownies.
14
Once done, allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before cutting them into 12 to 16 squares. Cover the brownies and refrigerate for best flavor.
Nutrition Information
8.8g
Fat
11.3g
Carbs
1.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should the oven be set to for these brownies?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (165°C).
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
An 8x8-inch square baking pan is recommended.
How should I prepare the baking pan before adding the batter?
You should lightly grease the pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
What attachment should I use to blend the cream cheese?
Use the paddle attachment on your mixer to blend the cream cheese until smooth.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese mixture?
The mixture consists of cream cheese, egg yolk, vanilla, sugar, and flour.
What type of chocolate is best for the brownie base?
You can use five ounces of either semisweet or bittersweet chocolate.
Should the melted chocolate and butter be hot when added to the mix?
No, the melted butter and chocolate should be cooled to room temperature before being added to the egg mixture.
How do I know when the eggs and sugar for the brownies are whisked enough?
The mixture should be thick and have a pale lemon color.
When should the chocolate chips be added to the batter?
The chocolate chips should be stirred in after the chocolate mixture is combined, along with the flour, vanilla, baking powder, and salt.
How much brownie batter goes into the pan first?
You should pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan first.
How do I layer the cream cheese over the brownies?
Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the first brownie layer without worrying about spreading it completely.
How do I create the swirl pattern?
Use a knife to draw through the two batters gently, being careful not to fully combine them.
Are there any toppings suggested for these brownies?
Yes, sprinkle half a cup of coarsely chopped nuts over the top for added crunch.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake the brownies for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
Should I wait for a clean tester to take the brownies out of the oven?
No, do not wait for a clean tester; looking for slightly browned sides is enough to prevent the brownies from becoming dry.
How long should the brownies cool before cutting?
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes between 12 to 16 squares.
What is the best way to store these brownies for flavor?
For the best flavor, cover the brownies and refrigerate them.
How many calories are in one serving of these brownies?
Each serving contains approximately 130 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The recipe contains 8.8 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 11.3 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Does this recipe contain protein?
Yes, there is 1.3 grams of protein per serving.
Is it important for the cream cheese to be at room temperature?
Yes, ensuring the cream cheese is at room temperature allows it to blend smoothly without lumps.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients listed for these cream cheese swirl brownies.
What kind of salt is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How much sugar is used in the brownie portion of the batter?
The brownie batter requires 3/4 cup of sugar.
How much cream cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of cream cheese.
Can I use any type of nuts for the topping?
The recipe suggests coarsely chopped nuts, but doesn't specify a type, so you can use your favorite.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include brownies, bar cookies, chocolate, cream cheese, dessert, baking, fudgy, and sweet treats.
What is the primary texture of these brownies?
The texture is described as fudgy, combining rich chocolate with a luscious cream cheese layer.