Introduction
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, blending the decadent taste of chocolate with a creamy, tangy swirl of cream cheese. Perfect for any dessert lover, these brownies offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special treat, they are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 150 grams of unsalted butter
- 200 grams of granulated sugar
- 100 grams of brown sugar
- 100 grams of cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (5 ml)
- 125 grams of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 225 grams of cream cheese, softened
- 50 grams of granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract (2.5 ml)
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23 x 23 cm (9 x 9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Sift in the flour and salt, and fold until just combined. Reserve 1/3 cup of the brownie batter. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing into an even layer.
5. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and beat until fully combined.
6. Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Add dollops of the reserved brownie batter between the cream cheese mixture.
7. Use a knife to gently swirl the two mixtures together, creating a marbled effect.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures a perfectly baked brownie. Line a 23 x 23 cm (9 x 9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Butter
In a saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter. As it melts, the rich aroma of butter will fill your kitchen. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 3: Combine Sugars and Cocoa
Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This step will contribute to the deep chocolate flavor that defines these brownies.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to incorporate air into the batter. This creates a light texture and makes the brownies fudgier. Stir in the vanilla extract for a delicious, sweet aroma.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour and Salt
Sift in the all-purpose flour and sprinkle in the salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain that fudgy consistency. Reserve 1/3 cup of this brownie batter.
Step 6: Transfer Brownie Batter to Baking Pan
Pour the remaining brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to smooth it into an even layer, creating a perfect canvas for the cream cheese swirl.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. The rich, tangy smell will enhance your anticipation.
Step 8: Spoon Cream Cheese Mixture
Using a spoon, dollop the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. Feel free to space out the dollops to create even more exciting swirls later.
Step 9: Add Reserved Brownie Batter
Take the reserved brownie batter and place dollops between the cream cheese mixture. This layering creates a beautiful contrast of flavors and colors.
Step 10: Swirl the Mixtures
With a knife, gently swirl the brownie and cream cheese batters together, creating a marbled effect. This step is where your brownies will gain their unique and appealing look.
Step 11: Bake the Brownies
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs—indicating the brownies are perfectly fudgy.
Step 12: Cool and Cut
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully before you cut them into generous squares.
Notes
Note 1: Allowing Brownies to Set
It’s crucial to let your brownies cool completely before cutting. This helps them hold their shape and ensures you get neat squares.
Note 2: Serving Suggestion
Serve these luscious brownies on their own, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
Note 3: Storage Information
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For extended freshness, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cook techniques
Melting Butter
Melt the unsalted butter gently over low heat to prevent burning. Stir frequently until completely melted and smooth.
Mixing Sugars
Combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cocoa powder with the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
Whisking Eggs
Add eggs to the mixture one at a time. Whisk thoroughly after each addition to ensure proper emulsification.
Folding Flour
Sift the all-purpose flour and salt into the brownie batter and gently fold using a spatula until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
Preparing Cream Cheese Mixture
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
Swirling Mixtures
Dollop the cream cheese mixture and reserved brownie batter onto the base layer. Use a knife to swirl them together gently for a marbled effect.
Baking
Bake the brownies in a preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating they are done.
Cooling
Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares, which helps maintain their fudginess.
FAQ
Can I use light cream cheese instead of regular?
Yes, light cream cheese can be used, but it may result in a different texture and flavor.
Can I substitute butter with oil?
While you can use oil, it may change the flavor and texture of the brownies. Unsalted butter is recommended for the best results.
How can I store the brownies?
Store the cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They will last for about 3 months in the freezer.
What can I use as a substitute for eggs?
For egg substitutes, consider using unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers, but note that this may affect the texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some nuts or chocolate chips into the brownie batter for additional texture and flavor.
What should I do if the cream cheese mixture is lumpy?
Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. If lumpy, you can beat it longer until smooth, or use an electric mixer.
Conclusion
Indulging in Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies provides an exquisite balance of rich chocolate flavor and the creamy tanginess of cream cheese. These brownies are not just a dessert; they are a delightful experience, perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply treating yourself. With their fudgy texture and beautiful swirls, they are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
Add a luscious layer of peanut butter to the brownie mixture for a nutty twist. Simply mix equal parts of peanut butter with some sugar and swirl it into the batter alongside the cream cheese.
Caramel Swirl Brownies
Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownie batter before swirling in the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of indulgence. The sweet and buttery notes of caramel will complement the chocolate perfectly.
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies
Incorporate mint extract into the brownie batter and fold in mini chocolate chips for a refreshing twist. Swirl in the cream cheese for a creamy contrast to the minty brownie base.
Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies
Add fresh or frozen raspberries to the cream cheese mixture for a burst of fruity flavor. The tartness of the raspberries will enhance the sweetness of the brownies beautifully.
Nutty Brownies
Incorporate chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the brownie batter for added texture and flavor. The crunch of the nuts contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the swirled cream cheese.
Cookie Dough Brownies
Top the brownie batter with dollops of cookie dough before adding the cream cheese swirl. This combination creates a decadent treat that combines two classic desserts in one.
