Get ready to experience a dessert that will make your taste buds dance with pure delight! These Hershey's Cream Cheese Brownies are not just another ordinary brownie - they're a decadent masterpiece that combines rich, fudgy chocolate with a luxurious cream cheese swirl that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe. Imagine cutting into a perfectly baked brownie with a marbled cream cheese top and melted chocolate chips that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe is your ticket to brownie perfection that will have your friends and family thinking you've studied pastry arts in Paris!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 brownies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the brownies later.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of unsalted 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 until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- In another bowl, beat the package of cream cheese until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a whisk for this. If desired, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to sweeten the cream cheese slightly.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter.
- Using a knife or a skewer, swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to mix it too thoroughly; you want distinct layers of brownie and cream cheese.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to cover it completely.
- Sprinkle the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips evenly over the top of the brownies for added chocolatey goodness.
- 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 allow them to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper (if used) and let them cool completely on the wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut the brownies into 16 squares and enjoy your delicious Hershey's Cream Cheese Brownies!
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until incorporated to keep your brownies tender.
- Swirling Technique: For the perfect marbled effect, use a knife or skewer and make gentle figure-eight motions when creating the cream cheese swirl.
- Check for Doneness: A toothpick with a few moist crumbs is perfect - it means your brownies will be fudgy, not dry.
- Cooling is Crucial: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- Storage Tip: These brownies stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional Upgrade: For extra indulgence, serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
