Cream Cheese Brownies

These Cream Cheese Brownies are an indulgent and decadent upgrade to classic brownies. The sweet chocolate base is moist and fudgy. It's topped with a rich creamy and tangy cream cheese swirl. It's super elegant but still easy to make!

If you love brownies try our Sprinkle Brownies perfect for birthday celebrations, or our Easy Mini Brownie Bites a beautiful and elegant addition to dessert tables for parties and showers.

We are obsessed with brownies at our house. I like to stay true to the classic but whenever the opportunity arises to try a different flavor variation I will try reluctantly. I decided to experiment with this cream cheese brownie recipe and I'm so glad I did! The result is an even more decadent brownie with a cheesecake-like swirl! I like to make these cream cheese brownies for parties or to take as a dessert for an extra special treat.

Recipe Highlights

• The perfect balance of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, tangy swirls.
• Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
• The marbled cream cheese swirl creates a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Notes

• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth, creamy swirl.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and a light texture to the filling.
• Sugar: Balances the tangy cream cheese and sour cream.
• Flour: we use all-purpose flour in this recipe.
• Unsweetened Chocolate: use high-quality chocolate for the best results.
• Butter: use unsalted butter and add salt to taste.
• Sugar: granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Eggs: contribute to the fudgy texture.
• Vanilla Extract: provides a delicious aroma and flavor.

How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies

• Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese layer.
• Step 2: Melt chocolate and butter.
• Step 3: Mix the cooled chocolate mixture with the brownie batter until combined.
• Step 4: Add the brownie batter to a prepared pan (reserve some batter for the swirl). Then layer the cream cheese mixture on top .
• Step 5: Add the scoops of reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese layer.
• Step 6: Carefully swirl the brownie batter and cream cheese. Bake the brownies.

Recipe Variations

• Peanut Butter Swirl: Replace the cream cheese mixture with a peanut butter swirl for a chocolate peanut butter lovers dream!
• Nutella Brownies: swirl in nutella with the cream cheese and drop dollops on Nutella into the batter for more chocolate and hazelnut flavor.
• Berry Swirl: Add raspberry or strawberry jam to the cream cheese layer for a fruity element and pretty presentation.

Recipe Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

Storage Tips

• Store brownies in an airtight container in the refridgerator for up to 5 days.
• Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Recipe

Cream Cheese Brownies

Charlotte Singh-Dhanraj

These Cream Cheese Brownies are an indulgent and decadent upgrade to classic brownies. The sweet chocolaty base is moist and fudgy. It's topped with a rich creamy and tangy cream cheese swirl. 

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16

Calories 221 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Cream Cheese Swirl Layer

• 4 ounces cream cheese softened
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour

Brownie Batter

• 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate chopped
• ½ cup 1 stick butter
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ¼ cups sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cooking spray

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with two overlapping sheets of foil, ensuring there’s enough overhang on all sides for easy removal. Lightly grease the foil with cooking spray.
• In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese sour cream, sugar, and flour until well combined with an electric mixer. Set aside while preparing the brownie batter.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add the chopped chocolate and stir frequently until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla, stirring until smooth. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and mix until fully incorporated.
• Spread most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, saving about ⅔ cup for swirling. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base. Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter across the top, then use a knife to swirl everything together, creating a marbled effect.
• Bake for 35–45 minutes, turning the pan halfway through. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour.
• Once fully cooled, use the foil overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

• Softened Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature for easier mixing.
• Swirling Technique: Use a gentle hand when swirling to avoid overmixing the layers.
• Check for Doneness: Avoid overbaking by checking the brownies early and often. A few moist crumbs on the toothpick are fine.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 3gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 166mgPotassium: 94mgFiber: 1gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 347IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 2mg

Keyword cream cheese brownies

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I hope you love these Cream Cheese Brownies. If you make this recipe, leave a comment and a rating! I'd love to know how you liked it. Enjoy, xoxo!