Name: Cream Cheese Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Ingredients: 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; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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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

Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe Ingredients

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.