Cream Cheese Brownies are homemade fudgy brownies with a cream cheese swirl baked right in. This delicious recipe is a cinch to make and is always a huge hit. Everyone loves the sweet and creamy addition of cheesecake batter.
Why we Love these Cream Cheese Brownies
Indulge in the perfect balance of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake with this easy and decadent brownie recipe. Impress your friends and family with these irresistible treats. This is one of our favorite brownie recipes with layers of chocolate brownies and cream cheese filling. I love to make this treat for family reunions, bake sales, birthday parties, and baby showers, but I am sure your loved ones will enjoy it anytime. If you like this sweet treat, try my oatmeal bars, lemon bars, cherry bars, and blueberry cream cheese bars.
How to make Cream Cheese Brownies
Start by melting the butter and the chocolate chips in a bowl in the microwave at a reduced power until melted and smooth. Now, stir in the cocoa powder until dissolved. Stir in sugars, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Now spread about 3/4 of the batter in a well-greased baking pan.
Now, using a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Reduce the mixer to low and add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Then, using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie mixture.
Then add a little water to the reserved brownie batter and drop rounded spoonfuls onto the cream cheese mixture, spacing them equally apart. Using a knife or chopstick, swirl the brownie mixture into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to go too deep into the bottom brownie mixture or over-swirl.
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the edges comes out relatively clean and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly gooey.
Recipe Tips
- These brownies can also be prepared in an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan.
- Both natural and Dutch cocoa work with this recipe.
- Soften the cream cheese by removing it from the fridge 40 minutes before starting this recipe.
- Bring the eggs to room temperature.
- Use a knife, shish kebab skewer, or chopstick to swirl the brownie mix into the cream cheese, being careful not to go too deep into the bottom brownie mixture or over-swirl.
- Cool the brownies fully before cutting. If you don’t mind chilled brownies, place them in the refrigerator before cutting, making it easier.
- I use a rocker-style 14″ pizza cutter to cut my brownies, which works wonderfully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. After that, store them in the refrigerator for an additional 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a sturdy freezer container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.
How to Cut Cream Cheese Brownies Cleanly
Start by thoroughly cooling the brownies. For best results, refrigerate for several hours. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried. Wash the knife between slices, warming it under hot water and drying it each time. A rocker-style pizza cutter and ruler work wonders for straight, even cuts, but clean the blade each time for clean cuts. Use the ruler to ensure that your pieces are cut into uniform sizes.
The Difference Between Regular and Dutch Cocoa
Dutch cocoa powder is treated with an alkali to neutralize its acidity. This results in a darker color and a more mellow chocolate flavor. There aren’t leaving agents in this recipe so that you can use either cocoa.
More Chocolate Recipes
Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
- 10 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup plus 1 ½ tablespoons cocoa powder
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup flour
- 1 ½ tablespoons water
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 11×7 inch baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt the butter and the chocolate chips in the microwave at 1-minute intervals at 50% power until melted and smooth. Stir in the cocoa powder until dissolved. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour. Spread 3/4 of the batter in the prepared pan.
- Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Using an offset spatula, spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie mixture.
- Stir in 1 1/2 tablespoons cold water to the remaining brownie mixture. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the cream cheese mixture spacing them equally apart. Using a knife or chopstick, swirl the brownie mixture into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to go too deep into the bottom brownie mixture or to over-swirl.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the edges comes out fairly clean and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out slightly gooey.
Notes
- These brownies can be prepared in a 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan as well.
- Both natural and Dutch cocoa work with this recipe.
- Soften the cream cheese by removing it from the fridge 40 minutes prior to starting this recipe.
- Bring the eggs to room temperature.
- Use a knife, shish kebab skewer, or chop stick to swirl the brownie mix into the cream cheese being careful not to go to deep into the bottom brownie mixture or over swirl.
- Cool the brownies fully before cutting. If you don’t mind chilled brownies than place them in the refrigerator before cutting as it will make it easier.
- I use a rocker style 14″ pizza cutter to cut my brownies and it works wonderfully.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. After that store in the refrigerator for an additional 5 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a sturdy freezer container or a heavy duty freezer bag.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Joy
Hi! Love this recipe!! I am a bit confused though. It states to stir in the sugars into the chocolate mixture. For the cream cheese it says to beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. WHAT sugar? Lol. It was mixed in with the chocolate!! Granulated for the cream cheese and brown with the chocolate? HELP!
Beth Pierce
Hey Joy! Sorry about the delay. The recipe is divided into two different sections brownie mix and cream cheese mixture. They both have sugar. Are you looking at through my site? Or someplace else?
Frank
These are so tasty and easy to make with your great instructions and tips. My mom loved them and was so grateful to you for sharing the recipe. Our new favorite brownies!
Peter M
My wife made these and they were fantastic! I love the cream cheese and chocoloate combo. Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Peter!
Melissa C
Delicious brownies. My new favorite chocolate obsession. I could eat these everyday but something tells me I better leave it for an occasional sweet treat!
Beth Pierce
I understand completely!
Molly Hartford
Delicious brownies. The best I have had in years. Thanks to a recipe well done!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Molly!
Marlee
Wow, these were so fudgy and delicious. What a great combination with the cheese cake and chocolate. They are pretty enough for a party yet easy enough for a weeknight chocolate fix! I just love chocolate anything and everything!
Beth Pierce
Me too, Marlee!
Stevie
I love these cream cheese brownies. There is just something amazing about that combo. What’s not to love about fudgy chocolate brownies dotted with creamy cheesecake? Pure delight! Thanks for the recipe!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Stevie!
Raymond Lance
Superb! The wife and I loved these. They stay moist for days even in the fridge!
Molly D
These are the best. I made them for an office potluck and they were devoured! Everyone just loved them.
Beth Pierce
Awesome!
Kayla R
These Cream Cheese Brownies were absolutely delectable! The combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake satisfied my sweet tooth. Keep sharing these delicious recipes; they are a treat for home bakers and food enthusiasts!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Kayla! So glad that you liked the brownies.
Lidia S
Try these brownies with a small scoop of vanila ice cream. You won’t be sorry, it is amazing!
Fransic
Well, I have tried a similar brownie like this and it tastes so good but it’s been a while. I would love to try it this weekend. Thank you for sharing!
Abida
cream cheese brownies are one of my favorite dishes to eat. I absolutely love them.
Catherine
These brownies are always so delish! My husband is the baker in the family and he loves making these and eating these! Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Ebony
Just when I thought brownies couldn’t get any better. This recipe is amazing! I did not have to change anything and they turned out perfect! Thank you for sharing.
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Ebony!
Zab
This is heavenly delicious, I can’t get enough of it. I will definitely make these again!
Mary
This is an awesome spin on brownies and it is the perfect combination. Nice to have something different to try. Thanks for the great recipe.
Sydney
This is my new favorite brownie recipe. They are so good and easy to make. No more box mix brownies in this house!
Debbie
These cream cheese brownies are the perfect decadent treat. I love that they have a homemade fudgy flavor with a cream cheese swirl baked right in. Yum!
Nikki
These are my favorite brownies. I make them at least once a month and everyone loves them. Thanks for sharing the recipe, Beth!
Caroline
The cream cheese brownies were so yummy and easy to make. Thank you for sharing the recipe. We will make these again.
Ramon
This cream cheese brownie recipe is an absolute delight! I like the rich chocolatey goodness combined with the creamy swirls of cream cheese.
Beth Pierce
Me too, Ramon!
Richard
Great recipe. I love brownies and these were delicious!
Alita Pacio
Oh wow, these cream cheese brownies look so delish. This will quite impress my parents if I make them successfully.
Sonia
These cream Cheese Brownies sound amazing! The combination of rich, chocolatey brownies with a sweet and creamy cheesecake swirl makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I can imagine how perfect these would be for any occasion, from a cosy night with family to a fun-filled birthday party with friends. Thanks for sharing this fantastic recipe!
Christine Weis
YUM! I love brownies!! These brownies look so good! I can not wait to try this easy to follow recipe. Thank you!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Christine!
Heather k
All of my favorite flavors in one brownie. I adore chocolate and cream cheese together, they were so yummy.
Monica
These Cream Cheese Brownies are an absolute delight! The recipe is easy to follow, and the combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheese creates a heavenly treat. Thanks for sharing this scrumptious dessert idea that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. 😋🍫
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome, Monica!
Karletta
These are sooooo good. Very tempting though. One is not enough.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Karletta! I could not agree more!
rebecca
yum! what a great flavor combo! love cream cheese swirled into brownies
Stacey Crawford
These brownies are the ultimate fudgy treat. The cream cheese takes these to a whole new level.
Beth Pierce
I could not agree more, Stacey!
Dina Miller
These were a hit! Everyone wanted the recipe so sent them your way!
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Dina!
Dannii
These brownies were the perfect texture. I loved them!
Sangeetha
Oh, my taste buds are tingling just thinking about these Cream Cheese Brownies! The combination of fudgy brownies with a creamy cream cheese swirl sounds absolutely heavenly. I can imagine the rich, chocolatey flavor of the brownie complemented perfectly by the sweet and tangy cream cheese layer.
Beth Pierce
You have got to try them! You will love them!
Ashely
Made these tonight, just for fun! I love baking and these were SO GOOD!!! One of the best recipes I’ve come across for cream cheese brownies! The brownies are nice and moist! I left it in for 38 mins and it baked perfectly. Thank you!!!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Ashely! I am so glad that you liked the brownies~
Joan
The brownies are very rich and delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Joan
Sara | mshealthesteem.com
Ok YUM! I can’t eat dairy, but I’m going to track down dairy free cream cheese and make this happen because I need these! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe ♡
Chloe
WHY didn’t i see this post a few days ago!? We just made brownies but this version looks SO MUCH better!!! Guess we need to make more!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Chloe! Enjoy!
Jennifer Prince
Ooh! This is such a fun take on a brownie recipe. I need to try these sometime. They look so tasty!
Kristy Bullard
These are so good! Don’t worry about having to freeze them – you will eat the whole pan!
Rose Ann Sales
Wow! These cream cheese brownies were so tasty. My kids loved them!
briannemanzb
I can make these brownies over and over. It’s too good and the kids loved it. Nothing beats classic cream cheese brownies!
Nish
This sounds so delicious. I now have to look up the supermarkets where I live to see if I can get some Dutch cocoa.
Mila R
These cream cheese brownies were scrumptious. My friends and I really enjoyed them. Thanks for the great recipe.
Kat
oh gosh… cream cheese… my weakness! I think I can finish one whole batch of this hahah thanks for the recipe! I’ll try this over the weekend.
Bryan
Brownies are a weakness of mine! I especially love them heated up slightly in the microwave, then topped with ice cream.
Beth Pierce
I agree!
Neely Moldovan
Oh we love love love these brownies. My husband especially loves anything with cream cheese.
Tweenselmom
These cheesecake brownies are heavenly! Thanks for the great recipe.
Gervin Khan
Wow! Such a unique brownie recipe and it was absolutely delicious. The whole family loved these cream cheese swirl brownies.
Krystle
One of my favorite brownie recipes. I keep going back for one more bite.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Krystle! Enjoy!!
Stephanie
Cream cheese and brownies are two of my favorite things so combining them together was just amazing! Thanks for the great recipe!
Rosey
Cream cheese brownies are my favorite kind of brownies. The creaminess just makes it so extra special and good.
Fransic verso
Wow this was so yummy and love that it’s easy to make it as well. Thank you for sharing!
Ntensibe Edgar
It had been a while since I last had brownies! I love how creamy these turned out. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
briannemanzb
Oh these are soo good! I had not made brownies for a while and these hit the spot just right.
Melanie williams
Oh my these cream cheese brownies were so delicious. I must get in the kitchen and make this recipe again soon. thank you x
abzstylz.com
I love brownies! I never made it with cheese, but your recipe is so easy to help me make it. Thanks for sharing! I can’t wait to make my own 🙂
Heather
Yum! These were so good. My family really enjoyed them and they want me to make them again.
Krystle
I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven. These are SO good!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! They are so delicious! Enjoy!!
Catalina
These brownies are so inviting. I would like to have some with my afternoon tea!
Juliane
Incredibly delicious!!!
Amanda
These look so moist and delicious! I cannot wait to make them!
Sandra
My kids devour an entire batch of these brownies!! They were so delicious!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sandra!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
These did not last long at our house! They are amazing!!
katerina @ diethood.com
These Cream Cheese Brownies are the BEST! Everyone loved them! Can’t wait to make them again and again!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So glad that you like them!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
These Cream Cheese Brownies are on my must-make list!
Erik
So delicious! We absolutely love them!