Description
Chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in these irresistible brownies that blend rich fudge with smooth cream cheese swirls. Indulgent layers create a dessert perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 16 oz cream cheese
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Extras and Seasoning:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in granulated and brown sugars until smooth and glossy.
- Incorporate 3 eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time, mixing completely after each addition to create a rich, uniform batter.
- Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can create tough brownies.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sour cream, milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the remaining egg, mixing until creamy.
- Pour two-thirds of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate base, then add remaining chocolate batter in spoonfuls to create a marbled effect.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, creating intricate patterns without overmixing.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips across the top of the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour, then lift out using parchment paper edges.
- Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for a delicate, sweet finish.
Notes
- Cool the brownies completely before cutting to ensure clean, sharp edges and prevent crumbling.
- Refrigerate the brownies for an hour before serving to help set the cream cheese layer and enhance flavor melding.
- Use room temperature ingredients, especially eggs and cream cheese, to create a smoother, more uniform batter with better texture.
- For gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the same rich, fudgy consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg