If you’re a fan of classic brownies and can’t resist a slice of cheesecake, then Cream Cheese Brownies are about to become your new favorite dessert. These rich, fudgy chocolate brownies are swirled with a creamy, tangy cheesecake layer, creating a beautiful marbled treat that’s equal parts indulgent and irresistible.
Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, holidays, or casual weeknight cravings, these brownies are always a hit. And the best part? They’re simple to make with pantry ingredients — no mixer required.
Why You’ll Love These Cream Cheese Brownies
🍫 Ultra-fudgy chocolate base with deep cocoa flavor
🧀 Creamy cheesecake swirl for tang and contrast
🌪️ Marbled appearance makes them look bakery-quality
👩🍳 Easy to make — beginner-friendly with simple steps
🍽️ Crowd-pleaser — perfect for any occasion
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, 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
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- Chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- A sprinkle of sea salt
- Drizzle of melted chocolate or ganache after baking
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Toothpick or knife (for swirling)
How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl:
- Whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
- Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt just until no streaks remain.
Set aside about ¼ cup of the brownie batter for swirling.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, use a whisk or hand mixer to combine:
- Softened cream cheese
- Sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
Mix until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
- Line your 8×8 pan with parchment paper or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the brownie batter (except reserved portion) into the prepared pan.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base.
- Add small spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top.
Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the batters together in a figure-eight motion. Don’t overmix — you want visible swirls.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30–35 minutes, or until:
- A toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs
- The cream cheese looks set but still slightly jiggly in the center
Cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean cuts and best texture.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Brownies
🧁 Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps
💧 Don’t overbake — they’ll continue to set as they cool
🌀 Swirl gently — overmixing will muddy the design
⏳ Chill before cutting for the cleanest slices
🌡️ Store in the fridge for a fudgy, cheesecake-like bite
Flavor Variations
💜 Berry Swirl: Add raspberry or strawberry jam dollops to the cream cheese layer
🍫 Triple Chocolate: Add chocolate chunks or white chocolate chips to the batter
☕ Mocha Brownies: Mix 1 tsp espresso powder into the brownie base
🍊 Chocolate-Orange: Add orange zest to the cream cheese swirl
🌰 Nutty Delight: Fold chopped walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter
Make Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead: Bake up to 2 days in advance. Store tightly wrapped in the fridge.
To Store:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months
- To Serve: Let thaw at room temperature or enjoy cold straight from the fridge
Serving Suggestions
🍦 Warm with ice cream — a scoop of vanilla or caramel is heavenly
☕ With coffee or espresso — perfect balance of rich and creamy
🎁 Gift box treats — wrap in parchment and tie with twine for edible gifts
🎉 Brownie sundae bar — serve with toppings like whipped cream, hot fudge, and sprinkles
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Prepare boxed brownie mix as directed, then add the cream cheese swirl layer. Bake as usual, keeping an eye on the timing.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13 pan for 35–40 minutes. Watch closely for doneness.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture and flavor. Low-fat versions may be runnier and less creamy but can work in a pinch.
Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1 of 16 Squares)
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 22g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 3g
Nutrition may vary based on add-ins and size of pieces.
Final Thoughts: Fudgy, Creamy, and Totally Irresistible
If you’re craving a dessert that blends rich chocolate and luscious cheesecake in one bite, these Cream Cheese Brownies deliver big flavor with minimal effort. They’re visually stunning, incredibly satisfying, and adaptable to any occasion — whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself.
Once you take that first bite of fudgy chocolate and creamy swirl, you’ll understand why this recipe is a timeless favorite.
Print
Cream Cheese Brownies: The Ultimate Swirled Dessert
Ingredients
• 1 cup butter • 2 cups granulated sugar • 4 eggs • 1 cup all-purpose flour • ¾ cup cocoa powder • ½ tsp salt • 1 tsp vanilla extract
FOR CREAM CHEESE SWIRL: • 8 oz cream cheese, softened • ¼ cup granulated sugar • 1 egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Grease 9×13 inch baking pan
- Melt butter in saucepan, remove from heat
- Stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla
- Mix flour, cocoa powder, and salt
- Combine wet and dry ingredients
- Beat cream cheese until smooth
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla to cream cheese
- Pour brownie batter into pan
- Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture on top
- Use knife to swirl patterns into batter
- Bake 30-35 minutes until set
- Cool completely before cutting
- Store covered at room temperature
PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 20 mins, Cook Time: 35 mins, Total Time: 55 mins, Servings: 16, Calories: 220, Net Carbs: 25g, Fats: 14g, Protein: 4g