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Ultimate Fudgy Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Close-up of two stacked, fudgy cream cheese brownies with a distinct marbled swirl pattern on top.
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You will make rich, decadent, fudgy homemade brownies topped with a thick, tangy cream cheese layer, creating a beautiful marbled dessert bar.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
  2. Prepare the brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
  3. Whisk in the 4 eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
  6. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth.
  8. Beat in the 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
  9. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
  10. Use a butter knife or a skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect. Do not over-swirl; you want distinct ribbons.
  11. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.
  12. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.
  13. Cut into squares. This is the best brownie recipe with cream cheese when served cool.

Notes

  • For extra fudgy cream cheese brownies, chill the entire pan for at least two hours before slicing.
  • If you want bakery style brownies, use high-quality cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.
  • You can substitute the chocolate chips with chopped nuts for added texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cutcooktaste.com/cream-cheese-brownies/