If you’re craving a rich, decadent dessert, then you need to make these Cream Cheese Brownies! Chocolate-y homemade brownies are topped with a swirl of cream cheese for extra deliciousness.
Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Of all the homemade brownie recipes I love, this one has got to be my favorite. Well, it’s at least in the top 10!
Brownies are so much fun to make, because there are so many different toppings and ingredients you can add to them to dress them up.
With that being said, simply swirling cream cheese on top of perfectly fudgy brownies elevates them to a whole new level of delicious.
Why You’ll Love this Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe:
- Everyone loves them: They’re fudgy brownies topped with delectable cream cheese…Kids, grandparents, and everyone in between loves them!
- Easy to make: Homemade brownies are so easier to make thank you think. This recipe will make you never want to buy a box of brownie mix at the store ever again!
- Delectable: Each bite of these creamy, chocolatey brownies is delectable and wholly satisfying.
Truly, adding cream cheese to brownies is just another way to make an already delicious dessert even more irresistible!
How to Make Cheesecake Brownies
Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!
- Preheat the oven and prepare your baking pan.
- Cook the sugar, butter, and water. Stir frequently and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the chocolate chips, eggs, and vanilla.
- Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Mix together cream cheese, egg, vanilla and sugar.
- Swirl the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter.
- Bake.
- Allow the brownie to cool at room temperature.
- Move the brownies to the fridge and let them chill before cutting.
Recipe Variations
There are plenty of variations you can try with these easy cream cheese brownies!
- For more chocolate, consider sprinkling some semisweet chocolate chips on top of the cream cheese swirl before baking.
- To deepen the richness of these brownies even more, you could add 2 teaspoons of espresso powder to the brownie batter.
- Want more texture? Try tossing in a handful of chopped walnuts to the brownie batter!
If you want to start with a mix, make according to the box instructions, and pour batter into the pan. Then make the cream cheese mixture as directed in the recipe card to top them off.
Despite the cream cheese topping, you really don’t need to refrigerate them–at first. They are fine at room temp for a couple of days, but after that, they are best kept in the fridge.
For this recipe, you’ll want to chill the brownies before cutting. This allows the cream cheese to set so everything stays together. It’ll be easier to cut into clean, even pieces once they’ve cooled.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- For the easiest removal, line the pan with foil or parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray.
- Use the toothpick method to check the doneness of the brownies. If the toothpick comes out clean after being inserted to the middle of the brownies, they are fully cooked! If not, add another 5 minutes of bake time before trying again.
- As tempting as it may be, don’t skip the cooling and chilling steps in this recipe. The cream cheese needs that time to set!
How long do these homemade brownies keep?
These brownies can be stored at room temperature up to 2 days. After that, they can be moved to the fridge to keep them a couple extra days (4 days total).
I prefer to keep them in the fridge from the start, but that’s optional. They’re pretty tasty when served chilled, at room temp, or even heated up.
Can I freeze cream cheese brownies?
To freeze cream cheese brownies, you’ll first need to allow them to cool fully. I recommend keeping it as one whole piece, instead of cutting them into bars.
Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap (a double layer is even better), and place it in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the cream cheese brownies, let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours before cutting into bars.
Fudgy cream cheese brownies are the perfect dessert for everyone. Rich chocolate and swirled cream cheese on top is a delicious combo, any time!
If you make this recipe be sure to leave us a comment or rating. Enjoy!
Swirled Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ½ cup granulated sugar 100 grams
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 28 grams (¼ stick)
- 2 tablespoons water 28 grams
- 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips 255 grams
- 2 large eggs 100 grams
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 grams
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour 80 grams
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 ounces cream cheese 227 grams, softened (1 brick)
- 1 large egg 50 grams
- ¼ cup granulated sugar 50 grams
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract 2 grams
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- 8×8 Baking Pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare an 8×8 square baking pan with a nonstick baking spray. The pan can also be lined with foil and sprayed for easier removal. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat and stirring frequently, cook the sugar, butter, and water until it reaches a boiling point. Once boiling, remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until they are melted. Stir in the eggs and vanilla. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Set aside.½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons water, 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips, 2 large eggs, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- To a large bowl, add the cream cheese, egg, vanilla, and sugar. Mix, with a hand mixer, until the batter is smooth and creamy. Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cream cheese mixture all over the top of the brownie batter. Using a toothpick, skewer, or knife, swirl around the top creating a pattern of swirls. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is set. Allow the bars to cool on the counter until you can move them into the fridge. Chill for 1-2 hours to allow the bars to set before cutting.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 large egg, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Notes
- For the easiest removal, line the pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray.
- Use the toothpick method to check the doneness of the brownies. If the toothpick comes out clean after being inserted to the middle of the brownies, they are fully cooked! If not, add another 5 minutes of bake time before trying again.
- As tempting as it may be, don’t skip the cooling and chilling steps in this recipe. The cream cheese needs that time to set!
I just made these brownies. Please pray they cook well and come out beautiful. OMG THESE WERE SO GOOD. I HAVE MADE TWO BATCHES THE 2ND ONE BETTER THAN THE FIRST. ITS A KEEPER!# THANKS SO MUCH!!
I made this alone, and I’m 11,Its super easy and fun to make, I’m hoping it tastes just as delisious as it smells!!
OMG i made this and it tasted litterly just like chocolate tuxedo cake ITS AMAZINGGG