There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of rich, fudgy brownies topped with a silky layer of cream cheese frosting. This decadent treat transforms the classic brownie into something truly special – a perfect balance of chocolate intensity and creamy tanginess that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for your next gathering or simply craving something indulgent to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies with cream cheese frosting deliver pure bliss in every bite. The contrast between the dense, chocolatey base and the light, velvety topping creates a dessert experience that’s simply irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This
- The perfect balance of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese creates an irresistible flavor combination
- Simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator
- Quick 45-minute total preparation and baking time makes this ideal for last-minute dessert needs
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort – perfect for potlucks and family gatherings
- Stays moist and delicious for days, making it great for make-ahead dessert planning
Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (170g)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (140g)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (50g)
- 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder (20g)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g)
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature (113g)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (57g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons milk, as needed
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g)
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and runs up two sides.
- In a heat-safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate chips. Heat until fully melted and smooth, either using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval.
- Stir both sugars into the melted chocolate mixture. Add espresso powder, salt, and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix in cocoa powder until fully incorporated. Gently stir in flour just until combined – don’t overmix.
- Pour batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then remove and cool completely before frosting.
- Beat butter and cream cheese together until fluffy. Mix in vanilla, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon milk until smooth. Add more milk if needed for spreading consistency.
- Spread frosting over completely cooled brownies. If frosting is too soft, chill for 20-30 minutes before cutting into squares.
Tips & Variations
- Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness
- Swirl 1/4 cup of raspberry jam into the cream cheese frosting for a fruity twist
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened
- If you prefer thinner brownies with more frosting, use a 9×9 inch pan instead
- For a marbled effect, reserve some brownie batter and swirl it into the cream cheese frosting before baking
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste
Serving Suggestions
These decadent brownies are perfect on their own, but for an extra special dessert experience, serve them slightly chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The contrast between the cold, creamy ice cream and the rich brownie is absolutely divine.
For a beautiful presentation, dust the tops lightly with cocoa powder or add a few chocolate curls before serving. Pair with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a dessert wine for an indulgent after-dinner treat.
Notes
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices
- Brownies can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frosting
- The brownies are done when the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft
FAQs
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies actually taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. You can make them up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of making the brownies from scratch?
Absolutely. If you’re short on time, prepare a boxed brownie mix according to package directions, let cool completely, then top with the homemade cream cheese frosting.
Why did my cream cheese frosting turn out runny?
This usually happens when the cream cheese or butter is too warm. Make sure both are softened but still cool to the touch. If your frosting is runny, refrigerate it for 15-20 minutes before spreading.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious.
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