Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your ordinary brownie experience into an extraordinary culinary adventure! These Marbled Cream Cheese Brownies are not just a dessert; they're a luxurious symphony of rich chocolate and velvety cream cheese that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Imagine cutting into a perfectly swirled brownie that looks like a work of art and tastes like heaven – this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 servings
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until well combined.
- Add the 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, sift together 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the softened 8 oz of cream cheese, 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Next, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a spatula or knife to swirl it gently into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover the cream cheese mixture.
- Using a knife or a skewer, create a few swirls in the top layer to enhance the marbled appearance.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.
- After cooling, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper (if used) and cut them into 16 squares.
- Serve the marbled cream cheese brownies warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your brownies tender.
- Swirling Technique: For the most beautiful marbled effect, use a knife or skewer and make gentle figure-eight movements when creating the swirls.
- Check for Doneness: A few moist crumbs on the toothpick are perfect – this ensures your brownies remain rich and fudgy.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow brownies to cool completely for cleaner, more defined cuts and optimal flavor melding.
- Storage Tip: These brownies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 70mg
