Name: Decadent Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 16 servings
Ingredients: ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g), plus more for greasing; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (140g), plus extra for optional topping; ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g); ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (50g); 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder; ½ teaspoon fine sea salt; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (20g); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g); 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (113g); 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (57g); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting); 1-2 teaspoons milk, as needed (for frosting consistency); 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g), sifted

Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are an absolute game-changer in the world of chocolatey indulgence. If you’ve ever dreamt of a dessert that perfectly balances rich, fudgy brownie goodness with the delightful tang and creamy texture of a decadent frosting, then you’ve stumbled upon pure bliss. It’s no wonder these treats are a perennial favorite; they hit all the right notes for a truly satisfying dessert experience. What sets these Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting apart is that magical combination – the deep, dark chocolate intensity of the brownie base is elevated and harmonized by the cool, slightly sweet, and incredibly smooth cream cheese topping. It’s a textural and flavor marvel that keeps you reaching for just one more square. Forget dry, crumbly brownies or overly sweet frosting; this recipe delivers perfection in every bite.

Ingredients:

¾ cup unsalted butter (170g), plus more for greasing the pan
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (140g), plus extra for optional topping
¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
¼ cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (20g)
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g)
4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature (113g)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (57g)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
1-2 teaspoons milk, as needed (for frosting consistency)
1½ cups powdered sugar (180g), sifted

Brownie Base Preparation

Melting the Foundation

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with butter. For easier removal and a cleaner presentation, you can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. In a medium, heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (a double boiler setup), melt the ¾ cup of unsalted butter. Stir the butter occasionally until it’s completely liquid and smooth. Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat.
To the melted butter, add the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir gently until the chocolate chips are fully melted and combined with the butter, creating a glossy, rich chocolate mixture. This process should only take a minute or two. Be patient and don’t rush it, as overheating can cause the chocolate to seize. This melted chocolate and butter mixture forms the decadent base of our brownies.
Now, whisk in the ¾ cup of granulated sugar and the ¼ cup of packed light brown sugar into the chocolate mixture. Continue whisking until the sugars are thoroughly incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and well-combined. Next, add the 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder and the ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these in until they are fully dissolved. The espresso powder, while not making the brownies taste like coffee, intensifies the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Incorporating Wet and Dry Ingredients

Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly for about 5 minutes. This is important so that it doesn’t scramble the eggs when you add them. Once slightly cooled, whisk in the 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. After the eggs are well mixed, stir in the 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. You should have a smooth, glossy batter at this point.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup of Dutch-processed cocoa powder and the ¾ cup of all-purpose flour. Sifting these dry ingredients together will help prevent lumps and ensure an even distribution throughout the batter. Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet chocolate mixture, folding them in gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to tough brownies. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see streaks of dry flour. If you’re adding extra chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate experience, fold them in now.
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan and spread it evenly. You can use your spatula to smooth out the top. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a few more chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep them fudgy.

Cream Cheese Frosting and Assembly

Whipping Up the Frosting

While the brownies are baking and then cooling, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together the 4 oz of softened cream cheese and the 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue beating until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Once the cream cheese and butter mixture is smooth, gradually add the 1½ cups of sifted powdered sugar, about half a cup at a time. Beat on low speed until each addition of powdered sugar is incorporated, then increase the speed to medium and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Sifting the powdered sugar is crucial for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
Add the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the frosting and beat again until combined. If the frosting seems too thick, add 1 teaspoon of milk at a time and beat until you reach your desired spreading consistency. You want a smooth, spreadable frosting that isn’t too runny or too stiff. Taste and adjust sweetness if desired, though it should be perfect as is.

Frosting the Brownies

Once the brownies have completely cooled in the pan, remove them carefully. If you used parchment paper, lift them out using the overhang. Place the cooled brownie slab on a cutting board. Generously spread the prepared cream cheese frosting evenly over the entire surface of the cooled brownies using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
For clean cuts, it’s helpful to chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This allows the frosting to set and makes for neater squares. Once chilled, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut to slice the brownies into desired squares. Enjoy these incredibly rich and decadent Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting!

Conclusion:

There you have it! A foolproof guide to creating the most decadent Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting you’ve ever tasted. We’ve walked through each step, from achieving that perfect fudgy brownie base to whipping up a tangy, sweet cream cheese frosting that complements it beautifully. The result is a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and creamy indulgence that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations.

To elevate your dessert experience, consider serving these delightful brownies slightly warmed, which intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the frosting delightfully gooey. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a sprinkle of fresh berries can add an extra layer of texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations – a swirl of raspberry jam into the batter before baking or a drizzle of chocolate ganache over the frosted brownies can offer exciting twists. I truly hope you enjoy making and, most importantly, devouring these incredible Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! The brownie base can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature in an airtight container. The cream cheese frosting is best made the day you plan to frost and serve the brownies, as it’s most vibrant and creamy when fresh.

What’s the best way to store leftover brownies?

For optimal freshness, store any leftover Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften the frosting slightly.