Name: Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the brownie batter:; ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp baking powder (optional); For the cream cheese swirl:; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies are my ultimate dessert when I want the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy chocolate and creamy cheesecake in one bite. The marbled swirl on top looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make and always turns heads when I serve them.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the tangy cream cheese perfectly balances the deep, chocolatey richness of the brownies. The texture is dense, moist, and indulgent, with just the right amount of contrast from the creamy swirl. They’re ideal for sharing—if I don’t end up keeping the whole pan for myself. Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownie batter:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Cocoa powder
All-purpose flour
Salt
Baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture)

For the cream cheese swirl:

Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
I melt the butter and mix it with sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
I stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder (if using) to make the brownie batter.
In a separate bowl, I beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until creamy.
I spread most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
I dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top, then add the remaining brownie batter in smaller spoonfuls.
Using a knife or skewer, I gently swirl the two mixtures together to create a marbled effect.
I bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
I let them cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

Servings and timing

Makes: 9–12 brownies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add chocolate chips or chopped walnuts to the brownie base. I’ve also swirled in raspberry jam or peanut butter for a fun twist. For a deeper cocoa flavor, I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder.

storage/reheating

I store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if I want that just-baked softness again. Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies

FAQs

Can I use a brownie mix?

Yes, I’ve done that before—just make the mix as directed and swirl in the cream cheese layer as described.

How do I get the perfect swirl?

I drag a knife gently through the layers in a figure-eight motion without overmixing to keep the pattern defined.

Can I freeze these?

Definitely. I let them cool completely, slice them, and freeze the squares in a single layer before transferring to a bag or container.

What’s the best way to slice them cleanly?

I let them cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for perfect edges.

Can I make them in a bigger pan?

Yes, but I double the recipe if using a 9×13 pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies are the kind of dessert I make when I want something rich, beautiful, and indulgent. The mix of fudgy chocolate and tangy cream cheese never fails to impress—no frosting needed.