Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe brings together rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious swirl of sweetened cream cheese. Every bite is a dreamy balance of tangy and decadent flavors.
These Cream Cheese Brownies are easy to whip up at home, yet taste like a treat straight from a bakery. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo.
Star Ingredients for Cream Cheese Brownies
- Semisweet chocolate chips – Melted into the batter for deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Cream cheese – Softened and sweetened for a creamy swirl that complements the chocolate.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens both the brownie and the cream cheese layer perfectly.
- Brown sugar – Brings a subtle caramel depth to the brownies.
- Large eggs – Bind everything together and add richness.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – Enhances the chocolate notes for extra intensity.
- All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the fudgy brownie base.
- Pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and brings the chocolate and cream cheese together.
How to Make These Cream Cheese Brownies
Start by melting chocolate chips and butter together until smooth, then whisk in cocoa powder, sugars, eggs, vanilla, salt, and flour. Separately, beat the cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla until creamy.
Pour the brownie batter into a lined baking pan, saving a bit for the swirl. Layer the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then dollop the reserved brownie batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the layers for that marbled look.
Bake until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few fudgy crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares for neat, picture-perfect slices.
Tips & Twists for Cream Cheese Brownies
For an extra chocolate punch, stir whole chocolate chips into the brownie batter before baking. If you love a nutty crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans throughout the batter.
Get creative with swirls—try adding a drizzle of peanut butter or Nutella mixed with a bit of powdered sugar. Fruity jam or lemon curd also makes a delightful twist, adding a bright, tangy layer to balance the richness.
Always let your brownies cool completely before slicing to ensure clean edges and perfect layers. Using a hot knife can help make each cut flawless.
Storing These Creamy Chocolate Squares
Keep your Cream Cheese Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to five days.
Want to make them last even longer? Freeze individual squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before indulging.
Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract 6 grams
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 170 grams
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 21 grams
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs 150 grams, at room temperature
- ¼ cup brown sugar 53 grams
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113 grams, at room temperature, cut into quarters
- 1 cup all-purpose flour 120 grams
For the Cream Cheese Topping
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 grams
- 8 ounces cream cheese 227 grams, at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 50 grams
- 1 large egg 50 grams, at room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat with nonstick spray; set aside. In a double boiler over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from the heat, whisk in the cocoa powder, and let the mixture cool for 10 minutes. Whisk in the granulated sugar and brown sugar until fully incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt, then gently fold in the flour until just blended; set aside. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is well combined. Pour the prepared brownie batter into the pan, reserving about ¼ cup of the batter. Spread the cream cheese topping evenly over the brownie layer. Drop the reserved brownie batter over the top and swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean with a few fudgy crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing and serving.
