These cream cheese swirl brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie. The rich chocolate flavor combined with the creamy tang of the cream cheese filling creates a luscious dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240ml) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz (225g) vegan cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, mix together the applesauce, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick and fudgy.
In a separate bowl, prepare the cream cheese filling by beating the vegan cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, and almond milk until smooth and creamy. This will create a luscious swirl to elevate your brownies.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Next, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or a skewer to swirl the cream cheese filling gently into the brownie layer, creating a marbled effect.
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out gently. You can add a few more dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl again for an extra decorative touch.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
These brownies are best served at room temperature, but they can also be enjoyed warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream on the side. Each bite offers a perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy goodness that will have everyone coming back for more!