Cream Cheese Brownies

Brownies and cheesecake walked into a kitchen, had a sweet fling, and gave us cream cheese brownies. These treats are soft, rich, and full of flavor. They also cause sudden disappearances of entire baking trays. Coincidence? Doubtful.
If you’ve ever argued over whether to bake brownies or cheesecake, this recipe ends that debate. You get both. In one pan. Without extra dishes. Your oven will be proud. Your stomach will be happier.
Prep Time
Preparation: 15 minutes
Baking: 35 minutes
Cooling: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Cream Cheese Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some overhang to lift the brownies out later. Grease the paper lightly.
- In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and sugar. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Add cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Pour most of the brownie batter into the pan. Save about 1/4 cup of it for swirling.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla. Beat until fully mixed.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer. Spread gently with a spatula.
- Drop the saved brownie batter on top in small spoonfuls. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together. Do not overmix. You’re baking, not painting a mural.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for about 1 hour. Lift the brownies out, then cut into squares.
Do Cream Cheese Brownies Need To Be Refrigerated?
Yes, cream cheese brownies need to be refrigerated.
Cream cheese is a dairy product that can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Once your brownies have cooled completely, cover them and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.
Quick tip: Cold brownies are great, but letting them sit out for 10–15 minutes before eating brings out the flavor and makes the texture softer.
Final Note
These cream cheese brownies are smooth, rich, and easy to make. They store well in the fridge, but that may not matter—because they’ll probably vanish by tomorrow.

Cream Cheese Brownies
A heavenly duo of rich, fudgy chocolate and velvety cream cheese swirls. Each bite is pure bliss: dense, moist brownie meets tangy-sweet cheesecake in a melt-in-your-mouth dance.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 pan with parchment (leave overhang for easy removal) and grease lightly.
- Brownie Batter: Mix melted butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; whisk smooth. Stir in cocoa, flour, salt, and baking powder until just combined. Set aside ¼ cup batter.
- Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar, egg, and vanilla.
- Layer & Swirl: Pour most of the brownie batter into the pan. Top with cream cheese mixture. Drop reserved brownie batter on top and swirl lightly with a knife.
- Bake: 35 minutes, or until set (toothpick should have a few crumbs). Cool 1 hour, then lift and slice.
Tip: Don’t over-swirl—just a few gentle streaks! 😊
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 197Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 100mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 0gSugar: 16gProtein: 3g