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Frosting & Fettuccine

Home » Recipe Search » Bars & Brownies

Dec 19, 2022

Easy and Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

5 from 1 vote
BySam Adler
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Move over, classic brownies! These Easy Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies are about to become your new favorite dessert. With a soft and creamy cheesecake swirl, these brownies are decadent and delicious and will surely satisfy any chocolate craving!

Cream cheese brownies served on brown parchment paper.

I’ve made many brownie recipes over the years. As a pastry chef, its part of the job! The best brownies to me are the ones that have something extra special, like a cream cheese swirl!

These marble brownies take a classic fudgy brownie recipe and add in a tangy cream cheese swirl. This makes for an amazing marble effect and a brownie cheesecake taste that’s out of this world!

These fudgy cream cheese brownies are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients! If you love fun takes on classic brownies try these brownies with cream cheese frosting, Strawberry Brownies, and decadent Red Velvet Brownies!

Need a good brownie frosting? This 5 minute brownie frosting is for you!

Before you try this recipe you should know you need to use softened cream cheese. Either take the cream cheese out 1 hour before you make this recipe or learn how to soften cream cheese quickly!

WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE THIS RECIPE

  • The cream cheese swirl adds a tangy cheesecake taste that perfectly complements the chocolate.
  • The marbled look gives them a unique and beautiful presentation that looks like they came right out of a bakery.
  • Enjoy them for dessert or an indulgent snack!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED

Ingredients for cream cheese brownies.
  • Butter – Used to create a rich, fudgy texture and a buttery flavor that compliments the chocolate.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – This chocolate has a slightly bitter taste along with the sweetness that pairs well with the tangy flavor of cream cheese.
  • Granulated Sugar – Helps sweeten up the brownie batter.
  • Eggs and Egg Whites – Helps bind all of the ingredients together, so they set properly when baked.
  • Vanilla Extract – Gives the brownies a classic flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour – Helps thicken the batter and gives them structure when baking.
  • Cream Cheese – Softens the chocolate base and adds that cheesecake taste to these marble brownies.
  • Salt – Enhances the sweetness of all ingredients in this recipe.
  • Cocoa Powder – Provides a more intense chocolate flavor that mixes well into the batter.

HOW TO MAKE Cream Cheese Brownies

These brownies are made in two steps, the brownie batter and the cream cheese mixture. You will divide some of the ingredients in this recipe to ensure even quality and flavor.

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 350° F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick baking spray.

Melt the chocolate: Mix butter and chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted.

Whip the eggs and sugar: To a stand mixer or bowl with an electric mixer, add in eggs, and whip using a whisk or the whisk attachment on high speed for 2 minutes. Add in only 1 cup of sugar and whip again for 1 minute.

Add dry ingredients: Switch to a spatula and add in only 1 teaspoon of the vanilla mix until combined. Next, add the dry ingredients, and mix well.

Make cheesecake mixture: In a separate medium-sized bowl, add the cream cheese and remaining sugar and whip on medium speed with a hand mixer for 1 minute until smooth.

Add in the egg white and ½ tsp vanilla extract and mix with a rubber spatula until combined. 

Swirl the cream cheese: Pour the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared 8×8 pan and pour the cream cheese mixture on top. Smooth it out with a spoon and then swirl the two batters with a knife.

Bake then chill: Bake for 35-38 minutes until the edges of the cheesecake brownies are set, and the middle is just slightly jiggly. Cool completely before cutting and serving.

Melted chocolate and butter in a glass bowl.
Melt butter and chocolate.
Dry ingredients added to brownie batter in a bowl.
Make the brownie batter.
Cheesecake mixture in a small flass bowl.
Make the cheesecake batter.
Brownie layer in an 8x8" pan.
Layer the brownie batter.
A cheesecake layer on top of brownie batter in an 8x8" pan.
Layer the cheesecake batter.
Swirled brownie and cheesecake batter in a pan.
Swirl the batters together.

Alternative method: Leave ¼ cup of the brownie batter and pour the rest into the pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture over it and smooth it out with a spoon. Dollop the rest of the brownie batter on top of the cheesecake mixture and then swirl with a knife. 

TIPS FOR RECIPE SUCCESS

  • The cream cheese and sugar need to be whipped together first. You cannot add all the cheesecake ingredients to a bowl and mix, it will be too runny. I tried at first to combine it all and it was an epic fail!
  • When microwaving chocolate, be sure to stir the chips in between intervals so that the chocolate melts evenly. Do not overcook as it can burn.
  • Be gentle when swirling together the two batters. If you overmix, the marble effect won’t be as prominent.
  • Allow the cheesecake marble brownies to chill in the fridge before cutting them into squares. This will help ensure they hold their form when cut.
  • The brownies are done when the edges are set, and the middle is just slightly jiggly. If they overcook, they will become dry and crumbly.

STORAGE AND FREEZING

Storing- Once cooled, store marble cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Frozen- The marble cheesecake brownies can be frozen too! Cool the brownies completely before wrapping them tightly with foil and freezing. They will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Squares of cream cheese brownies on a pink surface.

FAQ

What can I substitute cream cheese with?

I havent tested it but you can try to substitute the cream cheese with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter and healthier option.

Are marble cheesecake brownies gluten-free?

No, marble cheesecake brownies are not gluten-free because all-purpose flour is used in this recipe. To make these marble brownies gluten-free you could use a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

What makes a brownie fudgy vs cakey?

The amount of fat and sugar used in a recipe makes the difference between a fudgy or cakey brownie. Brownies with more butter, oil, and sugar will be more fudgy than those with less. In this marble cheesecake brownie recipe, we use both butter and oil for a perfectly fudgy texture.

WAYS TO ENJOY

  • Add nuts: Sprinkle your favorite nuts, like chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans, on top of the cream cheese marble brownies before baking for a crunchy texture.
  • Serve with ice cream: Serve these marble cheesecake brownies warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The coldness from the ice cream will contrast nicely with the warm and fudgy brownies.
  • Crumble on top of yogurt: Sprinkle crumbled marble cheesecake brownies over a bowl of Greek yogurt for an indulgent breakfast or snack.
Cream cheese brownies served on brown parchment paper.

Easy and Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies

Move over, classic brownies! These Easy Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies are about to become your new favorite dessert. With a soft and creamy cheesecake swirl, these brownies are decadent and delicious and will surely satisfy any chocolate craving!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin SaveSaved! Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Diet: Kosher
Keyword: brownies with cream cheese, cream cheese brownies, marble brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies
Calories: 240kcal
Author: Sam Adler

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 6 oz semi sweet chocolate chips about 1 heaping cup
  • 3 large eggs + 1 egg white separated
  • 1 cup granulated sugar + 1/4 cup separated
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract + ½ tsp separated
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese at room temperature

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350° F and line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick baking spray. Clamp down the sides of the pan with clips to hold the parchment paper in place.
  • In a microwave safe bowl combine the 1/2 cup butter and 6 oz chocolate. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time stirring in between until the chocolate is completely melted. Up to 90 seconds total. Let the chocolate cool for 5 minutes.
  • Add in 3 eggs and whip using a whisk or the whisk attachment on high speed for 2 minutes.
  • Add in only 1 cup sugar and whip again for 1 minute.
  • Switch to a spatula and add in only 1 teaspoon vanilla mix until combined. Next add in the 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Mix until combined. Set aside.
  • In a medium sized bowl add the cream cheese and remaining ¼ cup sugar and whip on medium speed with a hand mixer for 1 minute until smooth.
  • Add in the egg white and ½ tsp vanilla extract and mix with a rubber spatula until combined.
  • Pour the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared 8×8 pan and pour the cream cheese mixture on top. Smooth it out with a spoon and then swirl the two batters with a knife.
  • Bake for 35-38 minutes until the edges of the cheesecake brownies are set and the middle is just a tiny bit jiggly.
  • Cool completely before cutting and serving.

Notes

IMPORTANT: The cream cheese and sugar need to be whipped together first. You cannot add all the cheesecake ingredients to a bowl and mix, it will be too runny.
Marble Swirling Alternative: Alternatively, leave ¼ cup of the brownie batter and pour the rest into the pan. Pour the cream cheese mixture over it and smooth it out with a spoon. Dollop the rest of the brownie batter on top of the cheesecake mixture and then swirl with a knife. 
 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Easy and Fudgy Cream Cheese Brownies
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 240 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 4g
Cholesterol 61mg20%
Sodium 176mg8%
Potassium 117mg3%
Carbohydrates 23g8%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 418IU8%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Bars & Brownies Tagged With: Cheese, Chocolate

About Sam Adler

Sam Adler is a Le Cordon Bleu professionally trained pastry chef, Saveur Blog Award winner, food photographer, and food blogger over on FrostingandFettuccine.com. She has been featured in numerous online and in-print publications including Taste of Home Magazine, Saveur Magazine, The Feed Feed, and Food Blogger Pro. Sam lives in Hollywood florida with her husband, two young kids, and french bulldog. When she’s not baking and dancing in her kitchen you can find her at her favorite yoga spot.

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Hi! Im Sam Adler,

I'm a professionally trained pastry chef and food photographer.
This is a place where you will find easy yet impressive looking desserts. I also share a ton of food photography resources too! What can I say, I love pretty & delicious baked goods! Learn more about me!

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👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on th 👋🏻 2022! Will be celebrating this year on the couch with this in my lap. No sharing allowed! Those 3 spoons are all mine 😂😂 

🍾🥂HAPPY NEW YEAR 🍾🥂
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Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @ta Recap of all the cookie boxes!!! This year’s @taylorswift theme has got to be my fave (see my last reel for the explanation of each cookie!) but I have so much fun every year making these! Which one is your fave?! 

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ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylors ARE YOU READY FOR IT?! 2022 Cookie Box is @taylorswift themed!! 
1. “Like a rainbow with all of the colors” sprinkle cookies 
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#ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up #ad This year for Chanukah we’re switching it up from classic sufganiyot to make these fun donut fries! Puffy, golden, and delicious, dip your “fries” into melted chocolate or raspberry jelly and celebrate all week long! @aldiusa makes it super easy with their amazing selection of high quality products at seriously unimaginable prices. Run to your nearest @aldiusa to find all the ingredients you need to make these and have a Happy Chanukah!
Find the recipe below!

#ALDILove
Prep time: 1 hr 45 mins
Cook time: 1 min
Yield: 40 donut fries
2 pack Baker’s Corner Active Dry Yeast
1 1/2 cup warm water
1/3 cup Sugar
2 Simply Nature Grade A Organic Cage Free Brown Eggs
2 tbsp Stonemill Pure Vanilla Extract
1/3 cup Carlini Pure Vegetable Oil
5-6 cups Baker’s Corner All Purpose Flour
1 tsp Kosher salt
½ cup Baker’s Corner Powdered Sugar
For Dipping:
1 cup Baker’s Corner Dark or Milk Chocolate Morsels
Simply Nature Organic Raspberry Preserves
Method:
•Mix the yeast with water in a mixer bowl and let stand for 10 mins until frothy. Add the
sugar, eggs, vanilla, and oil to the bowl and mix until well combined.
•Start adding only 5 cups of flour and salt, and knead/mix on medium speed in a stand mixer
fitted with the dough attachment for 5 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. If the
dough seems sticky, add ¼ cup flour to the dough until it no longer sticks to the bowl when
mixing.
•Let the dough rest in the bowl for an hour to double in size. 
•Punch down the dough and remove it from the bowl onto a lightly floured surface. Using a
lightly floured rolling pin, roll it out into a rectangle. About 18”x 15” and 1/2 of an inch in
thickness. 
•Using a pizza cutter, cut in half vertically. Then slice thin strips horizontally. You want them
thin as they will puff up while frying.
•Let the fries rest for another 15 mins. 
•Meanwhile, using a deep fryer or a large pot, heat your oil to 350 degrees F. Fry the donut
fries 30 seconds per side, then drain on a paper towel.
•Dust the donut fries with powdered sugar and set aside.
•Microwave 1 cup of dark or milk chocolate for 30 seconds at a time until melted. Scoop
jelly into another bowl. Dip the fries in the chocolate or jelly!
Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels Happy birthday @taylorswift 👸🏼 hope it feels like a perfect night and you’re not weepin in a party bathroom. IYKYK
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Also here’s to wishing me getting those tix!
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