Heavenly Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Whipping up decadent cream cheese frosted brownies can transport you to a realm of pure chocolate bliss.

Soft chocolate squares get an irresistible upgrade with a silky smooth layer of creamy topping.

Rich cocoa notes dance perfectly against tangy cream cheese swirls.

Delicate yet indulgent, these brownies promise a sophisticated dessert experience that elevates any gathering.

Sweet chocolate enthusiasts will adore the luxurious combination of dense fudgy texture and velvety frosting.

Chocolate lovers can’t resist this dreamy treat that balances intense richness with light, airy frosting.

Your taste buds deserve this ultimate chocolate celebration that melts in moments.

Pro Tips for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Choose Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer, more intense brownie flavor.
• Prevent Dry Brownies: Don't overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients are combined to keep brownies moist and fudgy.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Remove brownies from oven when a few moist crumbs remain on the toothpick for the perfect texture.
• Customize Cream Cheese Frosting: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the frosting for extra depth of flavor.
• Simplify Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Store and Reheat Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Store cooled brownies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For a crisp texture, use a toaster oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes.
• Allow refrigerated brownies to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and softness.

Pairing Suggestions for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Soft, fruity red wines like Lambrusco or Brachetto d'Acqui complement the rich chocolate flavors and balance the creamy frosting.
• Serve with a velvety cappuccino or smooth cold brew to enhance the dessert's deep chocolate notes and provide a warm contrast.
• Top brownies with a scoop of classic vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and flavor harmony that melts in your mouth.
• Garnish with toasted chopped almonds or pecans to add a delightful textural contrast and bring out the brownies' deep, complex chocolate undertones.

Creative Ideas for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Gluten-Free Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Delight: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Protein-Packed Brownies: Add protein powder to the dry ingredients and mix in chopped nuts for extra protein and texture boost.

FAQs About Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out chocolate chips for chopped dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preference. Just ensure the chocolate chunks are roughly the same size for even distribution.

• How do I know if my brownies are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick in the center- if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the brownies are done. If it’s completely clean, they might be overcooked. If it’s very wet, they need more baking time.

• What if I don't have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white granulated sugar and add a tablespoon of molasses, which will provide similar moisture and depth of flavor. If you don’t have molasses, use all white sugar, but the texture might be slightly different.

• Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Check that your cocoa powder is also gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe meets gluten-free requirements.

What Makes Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Irresistible

• Perfect for busy home bakers looking for a quick chocolate treat that impresses everyone.
• Requires basic pantry ingredients and minimal baking skills, making these brownies accessible for novice and experienced cooks alike.
• Chocolate chips add delightful texture, while cream cheese frosting elevates the classic brownie into a special dessert that appeals to all ages.
• Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, game nights, or simply satisfying sudden chocolate cravings with minimal preparation time.

What Goes into Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for creating a tender and soft brownie texture. Opt for unbleached flour for better flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides rich chocolate depth. Dutch-processed cocoa gives a more intense chocolate taste.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness. Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise and creates a lighter texture.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture. Room temperature butter blends more smoothly.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a soft, chewy texture. Brown sugar adds depth and moisture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure. Large eggs work best for consistent results.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity. Pure vanilla extract offers superior taste compared to artificial versions.

• Chocolate Chips: Optional extra chocolate burst. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chips work well. Can choose between classic or gourmet chocolate varieties.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Creamy topping that adds tangy sweetness. Complements the rich chocolate base perfectly.

How to Make Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Blend Sweet Base

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Blend until silky smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Moisture

Crack in eggs and splash vanilla extract. Whisk energetically until fully merged.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder

Step 5: Create Brownie Batter

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir carefully to prevent overmixing. If desired, gently mix in chocolate chips.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Transfer batter into prepared baking dish. Spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide dish into preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick reveals moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool And Finish

Allow brownies to cool completely before adding frosting. This ensures perfect texture and easy spreading.

Step 9: Cream Cheese Frosting

Blend cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Spread generously over cooled brownies.

Brownies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

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Description

Homemade chocolate brownies with cream cheese frosting bring rich, velvety indulgence to your dessert table. Silky smooth frosting crowns these decadent squares, promising pure bliss with each delectable bite you savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (150 grams) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (85 grams) chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (1 stick/113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease layer or parchment paper lining.
2. Combine melted butter with granulated and brown sugars in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform texture.
3. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to create a smooth, cohesive liquid base.
4. Sift flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder into a separate container, ensuring no lumps remain.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring with minimal agitation to maintain a tender consistency.
6. Delicately introduce chocolate chips into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it into an even layer that reaches all corners.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a subtle firmness and checking with a toothpick that emerges with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely, which helps set their rich, fudgy texture.
10. Once cooled, prepare to frost the brownies with a smooth cream cheese topping, ensuring an even and decorative coverage.

Notes

• Ensure butter is melted but not hot to prevent cooking the eggs prematurely.
• Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and consistent texture.
• Sift dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate cocoa powder lumps and create silky-smooth brownies.
• Avoid overmixing batter to maintain tender, fudgy brownie consistency.
• Line pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean cutting.
• Check brownies early to prevent overbaking, which can cause dry texture.
• Allow brownies to cool completely before adding cream cheese frosting to prevent melting.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor.
• Insert toothpick at an angle to accurately test doneness without creating large holes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg