Rich Brownie Delight: Velvety Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Decadent chocolate brownies swirled with luscious cream cheese frosting create an irresistible dessert that melts hearts.

Rich, fudgy layers promise pure indulgence with every bite.

Chocolate lovers will adore this simple yet sophisticated treat.

The creamy frosting adds a luxurious touch to classic brownies.

Each square delivers a perfect balance of dense chocolate and silky cream cheese.

Warm from the oven or chilled, these brownies offer a delightful escape from ordinary desserts.

Prepare to experience pure chocolate bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting: Batch Perks

• Indulge Effortlessly: These brownies offer a decadent chocolate experience with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The rich chocolate base paired with creamy cream cheese frosting creates an irresistible treat that appeals to all ages and tastes.
• Flexible Frosting Technique: Easily adjust the frosting's consistency by adding milk, ensuring a smooth, spreadable topping that looks professionally made.
• Versatile Celebration Treat: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, birthday parties, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving with a luxurious twist.

Ingredients for Fudgy Brownies with Cream Cheese

• Chocolate Chips: These provide a rich, deep chocolate flavor for the brownies.
• Butter: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, dense texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Enhances the intense chocolate taste of the brownies.
• Espresso Powder: Deepens the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the brownie.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the brownie.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a chewy, moist texture.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Form the creamy base of the smooth frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall sweetness of the brownies.
• Milk: Helps adjust the frosting to the right consistency.

Baking Instructions for Cream Cheese Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 350F (177C).

Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the bottom and extends up two sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

• Double boiler method
• Microwave in short 30-second intervals

Stir consistently until the mixture becomes completely smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Blend Liquid Ingredients

• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Espresso powder
• Salt
• Eggs

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks uniform and silky.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Components

• Cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour

Mix carefully to avoid overmixing, which can make brownies tough.

Step 5: Bake Brownie Layer

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Whip Cream Cheese Frosting

• Softened butter
• Cream cheese

• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar
• Milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Step 7: Finish and Garnish

Spread frosting evenly over cooled brownies.

For cleaner cuts, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Tips for Rich Brownies and Tangy Frosting

• Line the pan with parchment paper hanging over two sides for easy brownie removal and even baking, avoiding crispy or overcooked edges.
• Use low, steady heat when melting chocolate and butter to prevent burning, stirring constantly for smooth, glossy texture.
• Gently fold flour into the mixture just until combined to keep brownies tender and fudgy, preventing tough or dense results.
• Add milk gradually to cream cheese frosting, checking spreadability to ensure perfect, silky smooth topping that's not too runny or stiff.
• Refrigerate frosted brownies briefly before slicing to help frosting set and create neat, sharp-edged squares that look professionally made.

New Twists for Brownie and Frosting Fans

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Bliss: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and substitute cream cheese frosting with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Indulgence: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugars, and incorporate dark chocolate with higher cocoa content for reduced sugar impact.
• Nutty Chocolate Sensation: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into brownie batter for added crunch and nutty complexity, complementing the smooth cream cheese frosting.

Fun Ways to Serve Cream Cheese Brownies

• Elegant Dessert Plating: Arrange brownies on a sleek white plate with a light dusting of cocoa powder and a small mint leaf for a sophisticated presentation.
• Coffee Companion: Serve alongside a rich espresso or cappuccino to complement the brownie's deep chocolate and subtle espresso notes.
• Decadent Garnish Options: Top each brownie square with a sprinkle of sea salt, toasted chopped nuts, or a drizzle of dark chocolate for extra flavor complexity.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Add a scoop of vanilla bean or salted caramel ice cream next to the brownie for a luxurious hot-and-cold dessert experience.

Storing Brownies for Sweet Snacking

• Store frosted brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent them from absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap unfrosted brownies individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 months when frozen properly.
• Keep unfrosted brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain their rich, fudgy texture.

FAQs

• What makes these brownies extra moist?

The combination of melted butter and chocolate chips creates a rich, fudgy texture. The espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste, making the brownies incredibly soft and decadent.

• Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can swap chocolate chips for dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate. Just ensure you use the same total weight of chocolate to maintain the recipe’s moisture and consistency.

• How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for slightly set edges with a slightly soft center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, which can lead to dry brownies.

Brownies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these divine Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies, a luxurious dessert blending rich cocoa and silky cream cheese. Each bite delivers pure indulgence, promising a perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and tangy frosting that will delight you completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (140g) chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/4 cup (20g) Dutch processed cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 teaspoons milk, as needed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Create a parchment paper sling in an 8×8 inch baking pan, ensuring full coverage of bottom and two sides for easy removal.
2. Combine chocolate chips and butter in a heat-safe bowl. Melt using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate both sugars into the molten chocolate mixture. Whisk in espresso powder, salt, and eggs until the batter becomes glossy and thoroughly blended.
4. Gently fold cocoa powder into the wet ingredients, ensuring complete integration. Delicately mix in flour, being careful not to overmix and maintaining a light texture.
5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
6. For the frosting, cream together butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Gradually add vanilla, powdered sugar, and milk, mixing until smooth. Adjust milk quantity for ideal spreading consistency.
7. Once brownies have completely cooled, generously spread the cream cheese frosting across the surface. If frosting seems too soft, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

• Prevent Crumbly Texture Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother, more cohesive batter that blends effortlessly.
• Control Chocolate Intensity Use high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder for deeper, richer flavor without excessive sweetness.
• Achieve Perfect Moisture Don’t overbake brownies – they should have a slight wobble in the center, guaranteeing fudgy, decadent results.
• Customize Frosting Experiment with flavor variations like adding espresso powder, orange zest, or a splash of bourbon to cream cheese frosting for unexpected complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 16
• Calories: 312
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg