Cream Cheese Brownies

This recipe was featured in my Blondie & Brownie swap event, which you can read about HERE.

Cream Cheese Brownies
from How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman

4 ounces German sweet chocolate or semisweet chocolate
5 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
4 ounces cream cheese
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 cup plus 1 tbsp. all purpose flour
½ tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
½ tsp. baking powder
pinch salt
½ cup walnuts (optional)
½ tsp. almond extract

— Preheat oven to 350 and grease a 9 inch baking pan
— Combine chocolate and 3 tbsp. butter in small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. When the chocolate is just about melted, remove from heat and continue to mix until smooth.
— Cream the remaining butter with the cream cheese and ¼ cup of sugar. Beat in one of the eggs. Stir in 1 tbsp. of flour, ½ tsp. vanilla, and the lemon juice.
— In a separate bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat the remaining eggs until thick; gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until quite thick (when you remove the mixer from the eggs, a ribbon of egg will fall from the beaters).
— In a separate bowl, mix together the baking powder, salt, and remaining flour. Add the chocolate mixture, nuts if using, almond extract and remaining vanilla.
— Spread half of the chocolate mixture on the bottom of the baking pan; top with the cream cheese mixture, then the remaining chocolate mixture. Swirl through all with a rubber spatula to create a marbled effect.
— Bake 25-30 minutes or until just barely set in the middle. Cool on a baking rack before cutting. Store, covered and refrigerated, for no more than one day.

Cream Cheese Brownies: The Perfect Combination of Chocolate and Cheese

Cream cheese brownies are an indulgent dessert combining rich chocolate brownies with a creamy layer of cream cheese. Though the exact origin of cream cheese brownies is unknown, this type of dessert has become increasingly popular and is now a classic worldwide.

The combination of a decadent brownie base with a creamy top layer of cream cheese makes this dessert a delightful and delightful treat. Unlike basic brownies, cream cheese brownies have a unique texture that melts in your mouth. Despite the indulgence, cream cheese also adds in a level of creaminess, a subtle hint of sweetness, and a pleasant tang to the brownies. This makes these brownies both incredibly indulgent and unique in flavor.

How Are Cream Cheese Brownies Made?

Making cream cheese brownies is easier than it sounds. To make the brownie base, you’ll need your favorite basic brownie recipe. For extra indulgence, choose a recipe which includes chocolate chips. Once your brownie batter is prepared, spread it into a 9×13 inch baking dish.

To make the cream cheese layer, you’ll need your favorite cream cheese recipe. Most cream cheese topping recipes involve combining cream cheese with sugar, eggs, and butter to create a smooth and creamy topping. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the brownie batter in the baking dish. Finally, bake the cream cheese brownies for approximately 30-40 minutes on 350 degrees until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool before cutting.

Why Cream Cheese Brownies are so Popular?

Cream cheese brownies have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique combination of flavors, creaminess, and indulgence. A cream cheese layer adds a depth of flavor to the traditional brownie that other flavors simply can’t, making this a dessert that stands out among the rest. Furthermore, many bakers enjoy the moderate challenge of balancing the chocolaty and creamy flavors, creating a nuanced dessert that rewards the baker’s efforts.

Additionally, cream cheese brownies provide a delicious way to indulge without resorting to overly sweet desserts. Cream cheese is a slightly acidic cheese that provides a pleasant tang to the fluffy texture of the cream cheese topping. As such, cream cheese brownies provide a unique flavor that creates well-rounded indulgence without overloading your palate with sweetness.

Finally, cream cheese brownies can be made in a variety of ways and can be adapted to accommodate personal taste and dietary preferences. Those looking to reduce their refined sugar intake can substitute alternative natural sugars in the brownies. Additionally, for those who want to try savory brownies, some recipes even swap out the cream cheese topping with ingredients like pesto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does cream cheese brownies need to be refrigerated?
A: Most recipes do not require that cream cheese brownies be refrigerated. However, if your brownies are made with fresh cream cheese or contain other perishable ingredients, it is best to store the brownies in the fridge.

Q: Can cream cheese be replaced with an egg-free alternative?
A: Yes! There are several vegan versions of cream cheese that can be used in place of dairy-based cream cheese.

Q: How can I make cream cheese brownies more chocolatey?
A: One way to make cream cheese brownies more chocolatey is to add additional chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking. You can also try adding cocoa powder to the cream cheese topping for an extra boost of chocolatey goodness.

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