Craving a chocolate treat that's both delicious and healthier? Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game with these incredible gluten-free cream cheese swirl brownies that prove you don't have to sacrifice flavor for nutrition! Imagine sinking your teeth into a rich, fudgy brownie with a tantalizing cream cheese swirl that looks like it came straight from a gourmet bakery - but with a fraction of the calories and guilt. Whether you're gluten-sensitive, health-conscious, or just looking for an amazing dessert, these brownies are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together gluten-free all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and remove any lumps.
- In a separate large bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, unsweetened applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the egg to the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In another small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter, then use a knife to create swirl patterns by gently dragging the cream cheese through the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, cut into 12 equal squares and serve. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense brownies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Use a light hand when creating the cream cheese swirl to get beautiful marble-like patterns.
- For the most accurate baking, use an oven thermometer to confirm your oven's true temperature.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain their shape.
- If you want extra richness, try adding a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store brownies in the refrigerator to maintain their moisture and keep the cream cheese component fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 35mg
