Decadent Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies
Indulge in these rich and velvety Decadent Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies, which combine the deep chocolate flavor of brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl. Topped with a glossy chocolate icing, these brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With a brownie base that uses your favorite mix, this recipe is simple yet satisfying, and it comes straight from my mom’s beloved collection. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, these brownies are sure to leave a lasting impression.
18
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brownie mix
19.5 ounces (Follow package instructions.)
Egg
1 (Add to brownie mix.)
Oil
1/4 cup (Add to brownie mix.)
Cream cheese
6 ounces (Softened.)
Butter
5 tablespoons (Softened.)
Sugar
1/2 cup (Add to cream cheese mixture.)
Eggs
2 (Add to cream cheese mixture.)
Flour
2 tablespoons (Add to cream cheese mixture.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Add to cream cheese mixture.)
Margarine or butter
3 tablespoons (Melt for icing.)
Cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (Add to icing.)
Powdered sugar
1.5 cups (Sift before adding to icing.)
Milk
2 tablespoons (Add to icing.)
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Add to icing.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, typically requiring 1 egg and 1/4 cup of oil. Set aside once mixed.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Beat them together with a mixer until smooth and creamy.
4
Gradually add in the sugar, followed by the 2 eggs, flour, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5
Pour half of the prepared brownie mix into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
6
Carefully spoon the entire cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it evenly but gently.
7
Dollop the remaining brownie mix over the cream cheese layer, using a spatula to gently spread it, being mindful that the cream cheese layer will still show through.
8
Using a knife, gently swirl the layers together, creating a marbled effect throughout.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few crumbs.
10
While the brownies are baking, prepare the icing. Melt the margarine or butter in a small saucepan. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder, then add milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
11
Once the brownies have cooled slightly, pour the icing over the top, smoothing it out evenly. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing into squares.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies?
These are rich chocolate brownies that feature a velvety cream cheese swirl and are topped with a glossy chocolate icing.
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 18 servings.
How should I prepare the brownie mix for this recipe?
Prepare the 19.5-ounce brownie mix according to package instructions, typically using 1 egg and 1/4 cup of oil.
What are the ingredients for the cream cheese mixture?
The mixture consists of 6 ounces of softened cream cheese, 5 tablespoons of softened butter, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How do I create the marbled swirl effect?
After layering the brownie and cream cheese mixtures, use a knife to gently swirl the layers together before baking.
How long should the brownies bake?
Bake the brownies for 35 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the brownies are finished baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few crumbs.
What is in the chocolate icing?
The icing is made of 3 tablespoons of melted margarine or butter, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of milk, 1.5 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Should the cream cheese be softened before mixing?
Yes, both the cream cheese and the 5 tablespoons of butter should be softened to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
When should I add the icing to the brownies?
Pour the icing over the top once the brownies have cooled slightly, then smooth it out evenly.
Can I use butter instead of margarine for the icing?
Yes, you can use either 3 tablespoons of margarine or butter for the icing depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to grease the baking pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the 9x13 inch pan to prevent the brownies from sticking.
How do I layer the mixtures in the pan?
Start with half of the brownie mix, then the entire cream cheese mixture, and finally dollop the remaining brownie mix on top.
Should I sift the powdered sugar for the icing?
Yes, the recipe recommends sifting the 1.5 cups of powdered sugar before adding it to the icing mixture.
How many eggs are required for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of 3 eggs: 1 for the brownie mix and 2 for the cream cheese mixture.
What kind of brownie mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 19.5-ounce package of your favorite brownie mix.
Does the recipe require vanilla extract in both parts?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract is used in the cream cheese mixture and another 1 teaspoon is used in the icing.
What is the preparation for the cocoa powder in the icing?
The cocoa powder should be whisked into the melted margarine or butter after it has been removed from the heat.
How much oil is needed for the brownie mix?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of oil for the brownie mix.
How much flour is added to the cream cheese layer?
Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the cream cheese mixture to help it set.
Can I slice the brownies immediately after icing them?
No, it is best to allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing them into squares.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, this recipe comes from the author's mom's beloved collection.
What is the texture of the cream cheese layer?
The cream cheese layer is described as luscious, smooth, and velvety.
What type of sugar is used in the cream cheese swirl?
Regular granulated sugar (1/2 cup) is used for the cream cheese swirl.
How much milk is used in the icing?
The icing requires 2 tablespoons of milk.
Should I use a mixer for the cream cheese?
Yes, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter together until they are smooth and creamy.
How do I spread the top layer of brownie mix?
Dollop the remaining mix over the cream cheese and use a spatula to gently spread it, though the cream cheese will still show through.
What makes these brownies decadent?
The combination of a deep chocolate brownie base, a rich cream cheese swirl, and a glossy chocolate icing makes them incredibly decadent.