Laurie'S Cream Cheese Brownies
Cream cheese brownies combine rich chocolate with a creamy cheesecake swirl, offering a decadent treat perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/3 cup of sugar, and 1 egg until smooth.
- In a medium pan, melt the cocoa, butter, and water over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Add the flour, 2 cups of sugar, 2 eggs, baking soda, and salt to the melted mixture and stir until well combined.
- Stir in the sour cream into the chocolate mixture.
- Spread half of the chocolate batter into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate batter.
- Top with the remaining chocolate batter and swirl gently.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into squares.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing. For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder in place of regular cocoa. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if desired. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. This dessert pairs beautifully with Lemon Poppy Seed Crisps for a delightful contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel for added sweetness. They also pair well with whipped cream and fresh berries for a fresh touch. For a fun twist, serve alongside Peanut Butter Meringues to create a delightful dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual squares wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Laurie'S Cream Cheese Brownies contains roughly 368 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), and protein (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1245mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that measures cup-for-cup to maintain the right texture. This adjustment should allow you to enjoy these delicious brownies while adhering to gluten-free dietary needs.
What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
If you don't have chocolate chips on hand, you can chop up a bar of chocolate or use carob chips as a substitute. You can also omit the chocolate chips altogether if you prefer a less sweet brownie or add nuts for added texture and flavor.
How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?
To check if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Be careful not to overbake, as they will continue to set as they cool.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).