Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

There’s something undeniably irresistible about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, tangy swirls of cream cheese.

If you’re a fan of decadent desserts that impress both in flavor and appearance, this cream cheese swirl brownies recipe is for you.

Whether you’re preparing a sweet treat for a family gathering, a special occasion, or just indulging your own cravings, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the seasonal transition when we start craving comfort foods as the cooler months approach.

These brownies make the perfect treat for autumn or winter, pairing beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. But really, no matter the season, these brownies are bound to become a favorite dessert in your home.

Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies Overview

These Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies are the perfect combination of chocolatey richness and creamy goodness. The base is a dense, fudgy brownie, complemented by a cheesecake-like swirl that adds a delightful contrast.

Don’t be fooled by the intricate appearance of these brownies — they’re actually quite easy to make, even for novice bakers.

Ingredients Needs

For the Brownie Batter:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal of the brownies.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher brownies.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in several spots. Then, dollop the remaining brownie batter between the cream cheese mixture.

Using a butter knife or toothpick, swirl the two mixtures together to create a marbled effect. Be gentle so the layers don't fully mix, and aim for beautiful streaks of brownie and cream cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Bake the brownies for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. The cream cheese should also be set.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into squares. This step is crucial to ensure clean slices and the proper texture.

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Tips & Tricks

Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the brownie batter can make your brownies dense and chewy rather than fudgy.

Perfect Swirls: For the best swirl pattern, don’t overdo it when swirling the batters. Less is more.

Adjust for Dietary Needs: To make these brownies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make them dairy-free, you can use vegan cream cheese and a plant-based butter substitute.

Enhance the Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter, or a dash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer them cold, you can also refrigerate them, where they’ll keep for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

To reheat, pop a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to soften it slightly and enhance the gooeyness.

Cooking Time and Servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes

Servings: 9-12 fudgy brownies

We hope you love these Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies as much as we do! If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear about it. Leave a comment on our Pinterest page and share a picture of your creation.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of flour?

A: Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.

Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

A: Swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free version, and use plant-based butter to make this recipe completely dairy-free.

Q: How do I know when the brownies are done?

A: The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

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