Indulge your sweet tooth with these decadent Vegan Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies that are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a delightful surprise for the eyes! Imagine sinking your teeth into rich, fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with creamy, tangy vegan cream cheese—it's a match made in dessert heaven! Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress even the most discerning dessert lovers. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this easy and irresistible recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 9 brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegan cream cheese
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, almond milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the brownies tough.
- In a small bowl, mix the vegan cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before mixing.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to create swirl patterns by gently dragging the cream cheese through the chocolate batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 9 equal squares. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each slice.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Measure Accurately: For the best results, make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially with flour and sugar.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt not only removes lumps but also aerates the mixture, resulting in lighter brownies.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough brownies, so be gentle!
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: If your vegan cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before mixing with powdered sugar. This will make it easier to swirl into the brownie batter.
- Swirling Technique: For beautiful swirls, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter and use a knife or toothpick to create gentle swirls. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will create a stunning effect!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting. This helps them set and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These brownies will stay fresh for up to 5 days, but we doubt they’ll last that long!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
