Viennese Brownies
Viennese Brownies are decadent, layered chocolate treats with a rich cream cheese swirl, offering a perfect balance of creamy and fudgy textures. Ideal for chocolate lovers and special occasions, these brownies deliver a sophisticated twist on classic chocolate desserts with subtle almond flavoring.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and 1 beaten egg.
- Add almond extract; set aside.
- In a small saucepan, melt chocolate and butter together.
- Allow the chocolate and butter mixture to cool.
- In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs.
- Add sugar and the cooled chocolate mixture to the beaten eggs.
- Beat in sifted and combined flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour half of the chocolate mixture into a well-greased and floured 8-inch square baking pan.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer.
- Top with the remaining chocolate mixture.
- Bake in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan before cutting into rectangles or squares.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla can be a suitable substitute. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Sifting the flour helps to create a lighter brownie texture, so don't skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are delightful on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an elegant touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving. They also make a great addition to dessert platters alongside Gingersnap Cookies or Peanut Blossom Cookies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Viennese brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place a brownie in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy them cold for a fudgy treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Viennese Brownies contains roughly 306 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% 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 use a different type of chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute semi-sweet chocolate for the unsweetened chocolate. Just reduce the sugar in the recipe by a couple of tablespoons to balance the sweetness.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Keep an eye on them as oven temperatures can vary.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. They can be stored for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
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).