There’s something truly magical about the comforting aroma of brownies baking in the oven. Picture this: a chilly evening, the glow of your kitchen lights casting a warm ambiance, and a baking dish filled with chewy brownies topped with a luscious cream cheese swirl, promising creamy bites of indulgence. These Cheesecake Brownies are not just a dessert; they’re a heartfelt way to embrace the sweetness of life with loved ones. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy gathering or simply indulging on your own, this easy creamy fall dessert is bound to become a family favorite. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The delightful combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake is sure to please everyone’s palate.
- A fantastic crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners.
- Made with simple, readily available ingredients, making it a no-fuss treat.
- The recipe allows for customizable options, so you can make it uniquely yours!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan with a touch of butter or non-stick spray.
In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and 1 large egg. Stir until just combined, but be careful not to overmix – we want those chewy chocolate edges!
Pour the luscious brownie batter into your greased pan, spreading it evenly to cover the bottom.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, 1 large egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This mixture is going to add the magic layer to your brownies!
Use a spoon to drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Don’t worry about being too neat; a little bit of chaos adds to the charm!
With a knife or a toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create that beautiful marbled effect.
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center looks just slightly soft (it will firm up as it cools!).
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. This will help you achieve those perfect, picture-worthy slices!
Variations & Creative Twists
- Add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks to the brownie batter for an extra gooeyness that chocolate lovers crave.
- For a fruity twist, fold in some fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries into the cream cheese mixture! The tartness beautifully complements the rich chocolate flavor.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with flavor extracts like almond or peppermint in the cream cheese layer for a zesty kick.
- Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a rich chocolate ganache for an indulgent finish!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
- If you’re short on time, these brownies can be made ahead! They store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Swap the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option without sacrificing creaminess!
- For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wet it with warm water between cuts – this keeps those edges choc-tastic and smooth.
- Don’t skip the cooling step; cutting them warm makes for a glorious mess, but cooling ensures a perfect square!
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 95mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! These brownies can be made a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use different ingredients?
Sure! You can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or try flavored extracts to change things up!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or chill them in the fridge if you prefer a thicker texture.
How long does it last?
These brownies are delightful for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week if stored in the fridge!
Wrapping It Up
Every bite of these Cheesecake Brownies tells a story of comforting warmth, sweet nostalgia, and the joy of sharing delightful treats. Indulging in this perfect blend of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake will undoubtedly light up your kitchen and your heart. Be sure to save this Cheesecake Brownies recipe to your Dessert Ideas board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy baking, friends!
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Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these rich and creamy Cheesecake Brownies, a delightful blend of chewy chocolate and savory cream cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and 1 large egg until just combined.
- Pour brownie batter into the greased pan.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar, 1 large egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter.
- Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are set and center looks soft.
- Allow brownies to cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
For added flavor, try folding in chocolate chips or berries into the cream cheese layer. Make sure to cool brownies before slicing for clean edges.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brownies, cheesecake, dessert, chocolate, baking