Cream cheese brownies

35 min
Cream cheese brownies

Let us face it, every day could use a bit more chocolate and a little more cheese, which is why we have the perfect treat for you. Our recipe for cream cheese brownies combines rich melted chocolate and cocoa powder with cream cheese. Topped with a delicate cream cheese icing and fresh strawberries, these brownies will quickly become a favourite in your dessert line-up.

Ingredients

Cream cheese
200 g
Sugar
300 g
Cocoa powder
30 g
Melted chocolate
100 g
Eggs
4
Flour
225 g
Baking powder
½ tsp
Salt
½ tsp
Walnuts, coarsely chopped
60 g

Cream cheese topping

Cream cheese
100 g
Icing sugar
10 g
Lemon, grated zest
1

Decoration

Strawberries
16

Instructions

  • ​Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
  • Melt chocolate using a water bath or the microwave.
  • Beat eggs and sugar by hand or with a mixer until the batter is fluffy and smooth.
  • While constantly stirring, gradually add cream cheese, cooled melted chocolate, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the chopped walnuts.
  • Line a 20–25 cm baking tray with baking paper.
  • Transfer the brownie batter to the tray and smooth it out. Bake in the oven for about 20–25 minutes.
  • In the meantime, prepare the icing by mixing cream cheese, icing sugar, and grated lemon zest thoroughly.
  • Once the brownies have cooled, spread the icing evenly over it.
  • Cut the cake into 16–20 pieces and decorate each with a strawberry.
Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Ice cream
4 hours 35 min
Ice cream
(1)
Enjoy!

Use room temperature ingredients

For the best results in your brownie with cream cheese recipe, use cream cheese and eggs at room temperature. This gives you a smooth batter without any lumps as room-temperature ingredients mix better, allowing the cream cheese to integrate seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Pick high-quality chocolate and cocoa powder

Chocolate of good quality has a higher cocoa butter content, which not only ensures that it melts smoothly but also integrates effortlessly into the batter. This results in a rich, velvety texture that gives each bite a luxurious feel. It will also provide a profound and intense chocolate flavour that is crucial for the base of these brownies. You can experiment with different types of chocolate – dark, milk, or even a bittersweet variety. When it comes to cocoa powder, choosing premium quality is just as important. It should have a robust, chocolatey aroma and a rich colour, which indicates quality and freshness. Cocoa powder acts as a flavour amplifier in the brownies and enriches the overall taste.

Avoid overmixing

Avoid overmixing the batter after adding flour to keep your brownies deliciously fudgy. Overmixing activates the gluten, turning the brownies from dense and fudgy to cakey. Also, monitor them closely as they bake in the oven and start checking the brownies a few minutes before the set time. This prevents them from drying out and helps maintain their moist, rich texture.

Cut into neat squares

The brownies look best when they are cut into neat squares. First, let the cake cool completely after baking. Alternatively, chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for even sharper cuts. Use a sharp chef's knife to slice, and wipe the knife after each cut to prevent fudgy build-up, ensuring each piece is neatly cut. If the slices are not perfect, do not worry – they will still be delicious.

FAQ: Questions about cream cheese brownies

Our cream cheese brownies combine rich chocolate with smooth, tangy cream cheese. Here, you will find answers to common questions about preparing, storing, and perfecting this delicious dessert.

How can I store cream cheese brownies?

Store the cream cheese brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

How can I tell when my cream cheese brownies are done baking?

Start examining the cream cheese brownies after 20 minutes in the oven. The edges and top should be firm. Insert a skewer into the centre; it should have a few moist crumbs on it. It is better to underbake slightly to keep the texture fudgy.

Can I freeze cream cheese brownies?

Although you can freeze cream cheese brownies, we do not recommend doing so if you have already added the topping. Also, freezing may change the texture and taste, especially of the cream cheese. If you decide to freeze them, make sure the brownies are fully cooled and cut into portions first. Wrap each piece individually in cling film and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. You can store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. For the best taste and texture, thaw the brownies in the fridge overnight before serving.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

3905 Kcal

Fibre 23.1 gram fibers
Protein 55.4 %
Carbohydrates 562.2 %
Fat 157.8 gram

Rich cream cheese brownies

These rich cream cheese brownies are the ultimate guilty pleasure, offering a sinfully sweet experience that makes them incredibly indulgent. This is partly thanks to the addition of cream cheese in the batter and as a topping. You get the classic, chewy texture from traditional brownies paired with the tangy richness of natural cream cheese. The cheese softens the dense brownie base, creating a melt-in-your-mouth consistency that tempers the sweetness and adds a little lightness to the mix.

We have got plenty of sweet treats in store for you. Check out our recipes for a creamy baked cheesecake, chocolate beetroot cupcakes, white chocolate yule log,  chocolate coconut cookies, and irresistible strawberry cheesecake ice cream.

Chocolatey goodness with walnut crunch

The best part about these brownies is not just the soft and somewhat fudgy texture but also the rich chocolate flavour and satisfying crunch. This recipe uses a combination of melted chocolate and cocoa powder to give the cake a deep, intense chocolate taste that is every chocoholic’s dream.

The added walnuts offer just the right amount of crunch with a slight bitterness to balance the sweetness. With each bite, you get to enjoy the smoothness of the chocolate along with a nutty crunch that is absolutely addictive.

Decorated with sweetened cream cheese and fresh strawberries

The crowning glory of these cream cheese brownies is their topping – a tasty mix of sweetened cream cheese, zesty lemon, and fresh strawberries. It adds to the aesthetics and makes the brownies feel even more special.

The cream cheese is whipped with icing sugar and grated lemon zest, adding a light, refreshing touch to the rich base. Each brownie is finished with a fresh strawberry, introducing stunning colour and juiciness that cuts through the richness.

A timeless dessert with endless appeal

Our brownies with cream cheese are everything you want in a dessert and more. The fact that they are easy to make and adapt to any occasion definitely adds to their appeal. Whether you have a sweet craving, need something to distract the kids, or just want to treat your loved ones to something extra special, these brownies come in handy every single time. It is an experience that leaves a lasting impression with each batch.

Ideas for varying the recipe

You can easily modify the recipe to your liking. If you do not like strawberries, simply replace them with your favourite fruit. Raspberries, blueberries, or bananas will work great. Raspberries lend a tart contrast to the sweet chocolate, while blueberries add a juicy sweetness, and banana slices provide a rich, sweet flavour.

Not a fan of walnuts? That is perfectly fine. Swap them out for hazelnuts for a hint of earthy flavour, or try almonds for a crunchier texture. You can also just leave the nuts out. The brownies will still be irresistibly delicious with their chocolatey base and creamy topping.

Consider adding a teaspoon or two of espresso powder to the brownie batter. The espresso enriches the chocolate flavour, adding a deep, rich coffee undertone that complements the chocolate perfectly.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/cream-cheese-brownies/