Cream Cheese Brownies
on Apr 28, 2019, Updated May 15, 2024
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These cream cheese brownies are rich and fudgy with a swirl of cheesecake. The tanginess of the cheesecake layer balances out the extra chocolate-y brownies, making these the perfect decadent brownie recipe. 
These cream cheese brownies combine 2 of my favorite desserts in one: fudgy brownies and cheesecake. You end up with a brownie that’s extra decadent, and tanginess of the cream cheese creates the perfect balance of flavors. They’re the type brownie that’s just a little extra special, and the pretty swirls on top makes them decadent looking too.
The Story Behind these Cream Cheese Brownies
The first time I told boyfriend fiance I was planning to make cheesecake he told me he didn’t like it. What???? How could he NOT like one of my best friends?
Frankly – I was a little hurt and not impressed by his judgemental attitude. But after the initial surprise and anger subsided, I got competitive. It was challenge accepted – and I was ready to prove to him that cheesecake is delicious.
And these cream cheese brownies were just the way to do it. Because disguising cheesecake into fudgy brownies is clearly the way to win over anyone’s heart, change their mind and prove your point.
How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
To make these brownies – you need to make the 2 components: the brownie layer and the cheesecake layer.
To make the brownie layer:
- In a heatproof bowl, first melt together 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 4 oz dark chocolate. I recommend using between 50-70% dark chocolate. Just make sure that you don’t use bittersweet chocolate or they’ll be way too bitter.
- Whisk 1 cup of sugar into the mixture.
- Then whisk in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Make sure that the mixture isn’t super hot before adding in the eggs, otherwise you can end up with scrambled eggs.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
Then the cheesecake layer is made with just 3 ingredients:
- In a medium bowl using an electric mixer, beat together 8 oz cream cheese with 1/3 cup sugar. Make sure to use full-fat, brick style cream cheese, and ensure that the cream cheese is room temperature before getting started (this ensures no lumps).
- Then beat in 1 large egg.
From, there – it’s time to “assemble” the brownies, and create that beautiful swirly top.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of brownie batter, then pour the rest of the brownie mixture into a prepared 8×8 inch pan.
- Smooth the brownie batter to cover the entire pan.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over top.
- Drop 16 spoonfuls of the reserved 1/2 cup of brownie batter over the cheesecake batter (I do 4 lines of 4).
- Using a toothpick or a thin knife, swirl the batter.
From there – the brownies are ready to bake. They’ll take about 30 minutes to bake in an oven preheated at 350F.
Cutting And Serving Brownies
For these brownies – it’s imperative that you cool them fully, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before cutting into them. Chilling the brownies in the fridge allows them to fully set, and actually improves the flavor. It also ensures that the brownies cut beautifully with clean edges.
How to Cut Brownies – Always cut brownies that are fully cooled. Cut with a thin, sharp knife – not a butter knife. You want to make clean, sharp cuts – not saw the knife back and forth. Then wipe your knife off in between each cut.
Now for a few FAQs:
- Can I make these cream cheese brownies in a 9×13 inch pan? Yes – simply double all the quantities. When you go to assemble the brownies – reserve 1 cup of the brownie batter for swirling. The bake time will be about the same.
- Can I use box mix brownie batter for this recipe? I don’t recommend it. I find that box brownies aren’t the best consistency for swirling.
And if you love brownies – make sure to try these other favorites:
Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 oz dark chocolate*, , I used 70%
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs**
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour, , spooned & leveled
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese**
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg**
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees. Line an 8x8 inch metal pan with parchment paper, or aluminum foil and lightly grease.
Brownie Layer
- In a large microwave safe bowl melt together the butter and dark chocolate in short 30 second bursts, stirring between each until entirely melted together.
- Whisk in the sugar.
- Cool for 3-5 minutes, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt using rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
Cheesecake Layer
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth with no lumps.
- Beat in the egg until just incorporated.
Swirling & Baking
- Reserve 1/2 cup of brownie batter. Spoon the rest of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer.
- Drop small spoonfulls of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer. I do 4 rows with 4 spoonfulls in each row.
- Using a toothpick or sharp, thin knife - swirl the batter.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the center looks set and an inserted toothpick comes out clean or with just a few damp crumbs.
- Cool fully, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve remove from the fridge and lift the brownies out of the pan using the overhang from the aluminium foil. Cut into squares using a sharp knife.
Notes
Nutrition
Okay I am making these brownies now. I have my brownie mix ready . I just mixed my cream cheese sugar and egg, which is really thin, have I done something wrong? Just asking before I pour over my brownie. Ty
The cream cheese layer is definitely pretty thin – definitely thinner than the brownie layer.