Mary Ann'S Brownies
Decadent brownies with swirled cream cheese and chocolate chips, offering rich cocoa flavor and creamy texture, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings or sharing at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cocoa ⓘ
- 1 box confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 7 tablespoons cream or evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 1/2 cup nuts (optional)
- 1 (18 1/4 oz.) package German chocolate cake mix ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened ⓘ
Instructions
- Prepare the cake batter according to package directions and pour into a greased 15x10x1-inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth.
- Stir in 1/4 cup chocolate chips into the cream cheese mixture.
- Drop the cream cheese mixture by tablespoonfuls over the batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the batter to create a marbled effect.
- Sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack and cut into bars.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a high-quality dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you don't have margarine, butter can be substituted for a creamier texture. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or use seeds instead. Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate taste beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, creating a delicious contrast. They also pair well with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive touch, dust with powdered sugar or serve alongside slices of Aunt Grace'S Hickory Nut Cake for an impressive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. To keep them fresher longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. For reheating, place a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Ann'S Brownies contains roughly 125 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 8g fat.
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 use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can use any chocolate cake mix that you prefer. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly from the original recipe. Vanilla or red velvet mixes can also create unique brownies with different flavor profiles.
How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
To make gluten-free brownies, substitute the German chocolate cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the cocoa powder and confectioners sugar, are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you need a substitute for cream cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a similar texture. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative available in stores.
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).