There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheese. These cream cheese brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie, with a swirl of tangy cream cheese that elevates every bite. I remember the first time I made these; I was trying to impress a friend who claimed to be a brownie connoisseur. Little did I know, this simple recipe would win them over completely and spark a new obsession in my baking journey!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) dairy-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (115 g) vegan butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup (30 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (90 g) dairy-free chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Start your baking adventure by preparing your oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend until smooth and creamy. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the brownie batter.
In another large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until well combined. Stir in the almond milk and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If you want to add a little extra chocolatey goodness, fold in the dairy-free chocolate chips at this stage.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or a skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter over the top, spreading it carefully.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Keep an eye on it; you want it to be fudgy!
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Then, lift them out using the parchment paper (if you used it) and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into squares.
Serve these decadent cream cheese brownies at your next gathering, or simply enjoy them with a warm cup of coffee. I promise they will leave everyone in awe, just like they did for my skeptical friend!