Prepare to revolutionize your dessert game with the most decadent, melt-in-your-mouth brownies you've ever tasted! These Cream Cheese Icebox Brownies are not just another chocolate treat – they're a luxurious experience that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a tantalizing cream cheese swirl that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a dessert enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates mind-blowing sweet treats, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop. Ensure you have butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, cream cheese, and powdered sugar ready to use.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow the oven to reach the right temperature while you prepare the brownie batter.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add 2 eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 1/3 cup of cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This will help to ensure that there are no lumps in your dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
- In another bowl, beat 8 oz of cream cheese with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. This will create the cheesecake layer for your brownies.
- Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This will make it easier to remove the brownies later.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Then, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer in small spoonfuls, trying to distribute it evenly.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover it completely.
- Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the brownie batter and cream cheese mixture together to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain distinct layers.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- After the brownies have cooled completely, cut them into 16 squares. Serve them as is, or dust with additional powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Enjoy your delicious Cream Cheese Icebox Brownies with friends and family!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest batter and most even mixing.
- Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Swirling Technique: When creating the marbled effect, use a light hand. Gentle swirls create the most beautiful and appetizing pattern.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to achieve clean, neat squares.
- Storage Hack: These brownies taste even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make them in advance.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top or mixing in some chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra special touch, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
