Butter Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Irresistible Butter Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe for Chocolate Lovers

Butter cream cheese brownies represent a luxurious dessert that elevates traditional chocolate treats to an extraordinary level.

Indulgent textures dance across your palate with each sumptuous bite, creating a symphony of rich flavors.

Silky cream cheese swirls weave through dense chocolate layers, producing an irresistible contrast of smooth and intense sensations.

The subtle tang of cream cheese cuts through the deep chocolate base, preventing overwhelming sweetness.

Decadent and sophisticated, these brownies craft an ordinary dessert into a gourmet experience that tantalizes sophisticated taste buds.

Soft, moist, and impossibly tender, the brownies promise a moment of pure culinary bliss.

How to Make the Best Butter Cream Cheese Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment.

Step 2: Create Brownie Batter

Melt butter and mix with sugar. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes. Whisk in:
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Vanilla
In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour
  • Salt

Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Gently stir in chocolate chips.

Step 3: Whip Up Cream Cheese Filling

In a clean bowl, blend until silky smooth:
  • Cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Egg white
  • Vanilla

Step 4: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the brownie batter into prepared pan. Dollop cream cheese mixture on top. Add remaining brownie batter. Use a knife to create beautiful swirls, mixing the batters gently.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 32-37 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven. Let brownies cool completely in pan. Lift out using parchment paper edges. Slice into squares and enjoy the decadent marbled treat!

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture in Butter Cream Cheese Brownies

  • Chill Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smoother, lump-free texture.
  • Swirl Technique: Use a butter knife or toothpick to create elegant marble patterns when combining brownie and cream cheese batters.
  • Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center – a few moist crumbs are perfect; avoid overbaking to maintain fudgy consistency.
  • Chocolate Chip Trick: Toss chocolate chips in a teaspoon of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter.
  • Cooling Strategy: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for clean, precise cutting and more intense flavor development.

How to Store Butter Cream Cheese Brownies for Later Enjoyment

  • Refrigeration: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying to maintain their rich, moist texture.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving, which helps restore their soft, decadent consistency and enhances the chocolate and cream cheese flavors.

Best Pairings for Butter Cream Cheese Brownies

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Indulge in a glass of rich Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the deep chocolate flavor, cutting through the creamy sweetness of the brownies.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm brownies to create a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
  • Match with Espresso Martini: Elevate the dessert experience with a sophisticated espresso martini, whose coffee notes enhance the chocolate's intensity while providing a sophisticated adult twist.
  • Enjoy with Fresh Raspberries: Scatter fresh, tart raspberries around the brownies to introduce a bright, fruity element that balances the rich, decadent chocolate cream cheese base.

Fun Variations on Butter Cream Cheese Brownies

  • Nutty Cream Cheese Brownies: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added crunch and rich, toasted flavor. Sprinkle extra nuts on top before baking for a beautiful, textured finish.
  • Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the cream cheese layer before swirling. The sweet-salty combination elevates the classic brownie to a gourmet dessert.
  • Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies: Swirl raspberry preserves into the cream cheese mixture before adding to the pan. The tangy fruit complements the rich chocolate and creates a stunning marbled effect.
  • Espresso Cream Cheese Brownies: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a deep, complex chocolate flavor that enhances the cream cheese swirls.

Butter Cream Cheese Brownies: Rich, Creamy, and Perfect

  • Indulge in Decadent Layers: Swirled cream cheese and rich chocolate brownie batter create a luxurious marbled effect that looks as stunning as it tastes, delivering a feast for both eyes and palate.
  • Quick and Foolproof Baking: With simple mixing steps and straightforward layering technique, even novice bakers can whip up these brownies in under an hour, guaranteeing delicious results every single time.
  • Perfect Textural Harmony: Soft, creamy cream cheese blend meets dense, fudgy chocolate base, offering a delightful contrast of smooth and rich textures that melt perfectly in your mouth.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treat cravings, these brownies satisfy chocolate lovers and cream cheese fans alike with their irresistible combination of classic flavors.

Must-Have Ingredients for Butter Cream Cheese Brownies

Chocolate Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base that adds moisture and flavor to brownies.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that gives structure and richness to the brownies.
  • Water: Helps create a moist, tender brownie consistency.
  • Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the dessert.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate pockets and melty texture.
Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy layer that creates a cheesecake-like swirl.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture.
  • Flour: Helps stabilize the cream cheese layer.
  • Egg White: Provides structure and lightness to the topping.
  • Vanilla: Adds subtle flavor complexity to the cream cheese mixture.
Baking Preparation Ingredients:
  • Foil: Helps with easy removal and clean cutting of brownies.
Print
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Butter Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

Butter Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Butter cream cheese brownies blend rich chocolate with tangy cream cheese for an irresistible dessert. Marbled layers of fudgy brownie and creamy cheese create a luxurious treat that elevates classic chocolate indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (for brownie batter)
  • 2 large eggs (for brownie batter)
  • ⅔ cup (60 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon (110 g) all-purpose flour (for brownie batter)
  • ½ cup (85 g) chocolate chips
  • 8 ounces (226 g) block cream cheese, softened

Fats and Liquids:

  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and hot
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for brownie batter)
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Additional Components:

  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
  • 1 tablespoon (8 g) all-purpose flour (for cream cheese mixture)
  • 1 large egg white
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
  2. Melt the butter in a large mixing bowl and whisk in granulated sugar. Allow the mixture to rest for 5 minutes to help dissolve the sugar crystals, creating a smoother texture.
  3. Incorporate whole eggs, water, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined and slightly frothy.
  4. In a separate bowl, sift together unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt to eliminate any potential lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Carefully fold in chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix the batter.
  6. Prepare the cream cheese layer by beating softened cream cheese in a clean bowl until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, flour, egg white, and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is completely uniform and free of lumps.
  7. Pour the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to the corners. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top in strategic spoonfuls.
  8. Using a knife or thin spatula, create elegant swirls by gently dragging the cream cheese through the chocolate batter, creating a marbled effect.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 32-37 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour before lifting out and cutting into squares.

Notes

  • Swirling creates a marbled effect that transforms ordinary brownies into a stunning dessert presentation.
  • Cream cheese mixture adds luxurious richness and tangy contrast to deep chocolate base.
  • Letting butter and sugar sit helps develop deeper caramelized flavor profiles.
  • Chocolate chips provide unexpected bursts of melty texture throughout each brownie bite.
  • Cooling time allows brownies to set, ensuring clean cutting and ideal fudgy consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 37 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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