Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake with these Cream Cheese Brownies. Perfectly moist and beautifully marbled, these brownies provide the ultimate dessert experience, ideal for any occasion from casual treats to special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream Cheese Brownies offer the best of both dessert worlds—decadent chocolate brownies swirled with creamy, slightly tangy cheesecake filling. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, this recipe creates brownies that are irresistibly moist, fudgy, and elegant, making them a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brownie Batter:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp baking powder

Cream Cheese Swirl:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 egg yolk

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. Make the Brownie Batter:
    Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until glossy. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
    In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Add egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

  4. Assemble the Brownies:
    Pour about ¾ of the brownie batter evenly into the pan. Spoon dollops of cream cheese mixture on top. Add remaining brownie batter between the cream cheese dollops. Use a skewer or knife to swirl gently, creating a marbled effect.

  5. Bake:
    Bake for 30–35 minutes or until set around the edges with a slightly soft center. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 9–12 brownies

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Bake Time: 30–35 minutes

  • Total Time: Approximately 50 minutes

Variations

  • Raspberry Swirl: Add dollops of raspberry jam alongside the cream cheese for a fruity twist.

  • Chocolate Chips: Mix semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolate richness.

  • Mint Brownies: Add peppermint extract or mint chocolate chips to create mint-flavored cream cheese brownies.

storage/reheating

Storage:
Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

Reheating:
These brownies are delicious at room temperature or chilled. If desired, warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 seconds per serving.

FAQs

Can these brownies be frozen?

Yes, freeze individually wrapped brownies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese works, but the texture and creaminess may vary slightly.

What cocoa powder is best for these brownies?

Natural unsweetened cocoa powder provides the best balance of flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan, adjusting baking time slightly longer.

Print

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

These Cream Cheese Brownies are rich, fudgy, and perfectly swirled with a tangy cheesecake layer for the ultimate dessert combo. With a simple marbled design and classic brownie base, these indulgent bars are perfect for any chocolate lover.

  • Author: Douaa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 912 brownies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Batter:


  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted


  • 1 cup granulated sugar


  • 2 large eggs


  • 1 tsp vanilla extract


  • ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder


  • ½ cup all-purpose flour


  • ¼ tsp salt


  • ¼ tsp baking powder


Cream Cheese Swirl:


  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened


  • ¼ cup granulated sugar


  • 1 egg yolk


  • ½ tsp vanilla extract


Instructions

  • Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly.

  • Make Brownie Batter:
    In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and whisk until glossy.
    Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Set aside.

  • Make Cream Cheese Swirl:
    In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla extract until smooth.

  • Assemble Brownies:
    Pour ¾ of the brownie batter into the pan and spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top, followed by remaining brownie batter.
    Use a skewer or knife to swirl the batters together gently.

  • Bake:
    Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
    Cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Notes

  • For extra fudgy brownies, remove from oven when slightly underbaked.

  • Chill for cleaner slices and a firmer texture.

  • Add chocolate chips or espresso powder to enhance flavor.

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