Delicious Cream Cheese Brownies starts with a mix but tastes amazing. Swirls of cream cheese make this recipe gorgeous and tasty. It is so decadent but very simple to make.
These decadent brownies look good enough to be from a bakery. No one will guess the recipe starts with a box mix. I am going to show you how to jazz up a plain brownie mix with decadent cream cheese swirls.
If you love cream cheese desserts, you are going to love this recipe. Also try Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies, Cream Cheese Cookies Recipe and Cream Cheese Pound Cake Recipe. The kids also enjoy Banana Cream Cheesecake Bars.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
It is the perfect combination of chocolate flavor and cheesecake. This recipe is so delicious and really simple to make.
You will love it for any occasion, and it only takes a few ingredients. Also try Buckeye Brownies Recipe and Red Velvet Brownies for more delicious brownie treats.
Ingredients
- Brownie mix. Plus, the ingredients needed according to the box.
- Cream cheese. Softened at room temperature. Learn How to Soften Cream Cheese.
- Large egg. Room temperature eggs are easier to blend together in the batter.
- Vanilla Extract. Enhances the flavor.
- Granulated sugar. Plain white granulated sugar.
Get the complete ingredient list at the bottom of the page.
How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
- Step 1. Preheat oven to 350. Set the oven to 350 degrees and allow to warm up.
Step 2. Next, make the brownie batter. Stir the brownie mix in a bowl as directed on the package for a 9X13 baking pan. I used an electric mixer to whisk the ingredients.
Step 3. Pour the batter into prepared pan. Spread the batter evenly into the 9×13 baking dish.
Step 4. Combine the cheesecake batter. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Then add the egg and vanilla. Drop the cream cheese mixture by the spoonful all over the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the mixture back and forth to create a marbled look.
Step 5. Add the cream cheese to the brownie layer. Place in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the cream cheese mixture is slightly browned. If you insert a toothpick into the center, only moist crumbs should be on it.
- Step 6. Cool. Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Do not rush this step. It is important to allow time to cool before cutting.
What Do You Serve with Brownies?
We enjoy these brownies alone. They are the perfect treat.
However, if you are feeling decadent, try some of these ideas.
- Serve with No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
- Top with Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe.
- Drizzle The BEST Homemade Hot Fudge Sauce on top.
- Add sprinkles on top for special occasions.
- Make a brownie sundae with nuts, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and more. This is delicious served warm. Just heat up the brownie in the microwave for a few seconds before topping it with ice cream.
FAQs
-First, make sure the brownies have completely cooled. Cutting brownies that are still warm will result in a mess. It is important to give them proper time to cool.
-The best way to cut brownies is with a plastic knife. They are nonstick and help to ensure clean cuts.
-As you see brownie start to build up on the knife, wipe with a napkin. Keeping your knife clean will help to cut the brownies better. I actually just wipe the knife after each cut. Each square will look nice and clean.
-Another tip is to run the knife under hot water. Just make sure to wipe it off so that it is completely cool before cutting.
-If you do not want to use a plastic knife, you can use a regular knife. However, I suggest spraying it with cooking spray.
As long as you follow these easy tips for cutting them, each square should be clean-cut. They will look amazing on your dessert table and so pretty.
The brownies can be kept for a day or 2 at room temperature. Any longer and they need to be refrigerated.
Place the brownies inside an airtight container. It should have a good lid. They will last in the fridge up to a week.
Yes, just make sure to use a good freezer container or freezer bag. I also would place a layer of wax paper between the brownies. This will help the brownies from sticking to each other. You can also freeze them individually using aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer container.
They can be frozen for up to 6 months. This is so handy if you need to make them for an event or holiday. Just make sure to let them thaw at room temperature a few hours before you are ready to serve.
The brownies will still taste delicious, and you will have more time to do other things. We often make these in advance for holidays, events, and more.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overbake the brownies. The cheesecake layer will turn brown and crack if you cook these too long. Not only will the cheesecake swirl not look as pretty but it won’t taste like fudgy brownies.
- Insert a toothpick into the brownies a few minutes before the timer goes off. This will help to make sure you do not overbake them. Keep in mind the toothpick inserted should have a few crumbs on it and not be completely clean. If the toothpick is totally dry, the brownies are overbaked.
- Use full-fat cream cheese in a brick. Do not use reduced-fat cream cheese in this recipe. The results will not turn out the same.
Also, make sure to use the bricks of cream cheese and not the tubs. Do not use whipped cream cheese. The texture is not the same as the bricks of cream cheese.
- Line the baking dish with parchment paper or foil. This will allow you to lift the entire pan of brownies out once cooked. You can then transfer to a cutting board to easily cut the brownies.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking. This will make it even more decadent. This is a great option for chocolate fans.
- Make homemade brownies. If you have the ingredients including cocoa powder at home, try this easy homemade brownies recipe. Brownies with cream cheese taste amazing with a mix or homemade brownies.
More Brownie Recipes
- Copycat Little Debbie Brownies
- Buckeye Brownies Recipe
- Mini brownie cupcakes recipe
- Salted Caramel Brownies
- Oreo Brownies
- Pecan Pie Brownies
It’s your turn to try this cheesecake brownies recipe. Please don’t forget to leave a comment once you do!
Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 pkg brownie mix
- 1 pkg Cream cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 1 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- Prepare brownie batter as directed on package for a 9X13 pan. Spread the batter into a greased 13×9 inch pan.
- Beat Cream Cheese with mixer until creamy. Add Sugar, egg and vanilla. Mix well. Drop by tablespoonfuls over brownie batter.
- Swirl with knife.
- Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until cream cheese mixture is slightly browned. Cool completely before cutting.
