Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. This little trick will make taking out the brownies a breeze.
Prepare the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix – we want our brownies to stay fudgy!
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Prepare the cream cheese swirl: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Create the swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect. This step is where the magic happens!
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. Remember, you don’t want to overbake them, as they’ll continue to cook a bit after you take them out of the oven.
Cool and enjoy: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Once they’re cool, cut them into squares and enjoy every bite!
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Brownies Every Time
Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps create a smooth and creamy swirl that blends beautifully with the brownie batter.
Quality Ingredients Matter: For the best chocolate flavor, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. It makes a big difference!
Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough brownie.
Check for Doneness Early: Every oven is different, so start checking your brownies at the 25-minute mark. You want a few moist crumbs to stick to a toothpick when inserted in the center.
Creative Variations of Cream Cheese Brownies
Looking to put your own spin on these cream cheese brownies? Here are some creative variations you can try:
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