I absolutely love making Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosted Brownies because they are the perfect blend of fudgy brownie goodness and creamy cheesecake topping. To make these delectable treats, start by baking a rich chocolate brownie base that is moist and dense. Then, whip up a luscious cream cheese frosting that adds a tangy and smooth contrast to the decadent brownie layer.

The combination of chocolate and cream cheese is simply irresistible, making these brownies a crowd favorite at any gathering or event. Trust me, once you try these irresistible brownies, you’ll be amazed!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

For the Brownies:

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 cup (95g) unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (175g) chocolate chips (optional)

For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder

4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2-4 tablespoons milk, as needed for consistency

Instructions for Making Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosted Brownies

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients for Brownies: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of cocoa powder. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition.
Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the cocoa mixture until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.

Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup cocoa powder and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the brownies at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so precision is key. Use a kitchen scale for dry ingredients if possible, or the spoon-and-level method for cups. This ensures your brownies have the right texture and rise.

Room Temperature Ingredients: For the brownie batter and frosting, make sure ingredients like eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. This promotes better mixing and a smoother texture in both the brownie and the frosting.

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can introduce too much air and lead to a cake-like texture rather than the dense, fudgy consistency we’re aiming for. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.

Use Quality Cocoa Powder: The type of cocoa powder you use will greatly affect the flavor of your brownies and frosting. Opt for a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the richest, most chocolatey flavor.

Baking Time is Key: To achieve fudgy brownies, it’s crucial not to overbake them. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests. Remember, they will continue to set as they cool.

Cool Completely Before Frosting: Patience is a virtue, especially when baking. Ensure your brownies are completely cooled before spreading the frosting to avoid it melting or mixing into the brownie layer.

Customize with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your brownies with nuts, chocolate chunks, or swirls of caramel before baking. This adds texture and can tailor the flavor to your liking.

Chill Before Cutting: For clean, precise cuts, chill the frosted brownies in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to ensure beautifully presented squares.

Serving Suggestions

A La Mode: Serve your Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosted Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing. The cold ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the dense, fudgy brownie.

With Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries complements the rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese frosting. This not only adds a burst of freshness but also makes for a visually appealing dessert.

Coffee or Espresso: Chocolate and coffee are a match made in heaven. Serve your brownies with a strong cup of coffee or an espresso to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a sophisticated edge to your dessert experience.

Dessert Wine Pairing: Select a dessert wine like a Port or a Banyuls to serve alongside your brownies. The sweetness and depth of these wines can stand up to the intensity of the chocolate.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream can add a light, airy contrast to the dense and rich brownies. For an extra touch of flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the whipped cream.

Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts) over the frosting for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum if your recipe doesn’t already call for it, to help with the texture.

How do I store the frosted brownies? Since the frosting contains cream cheese and butter, it’s best to store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can the brownies be frozen? Yes, frosted or unfrosted brownies can be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Why did my brownies come out cakey instead of fudgy? Cakey brownies usually result from too much flour or baking powder, overmixing the batter, or overbaking. For fudgy brownies, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, mix just until combined, and keep a close eye on them as they bake.

Can I use a different type of frosting? Absolutely! While chocolate cream cheese frosting is a delicious complement to these brownies, you can use a simple chocolate ganache, peanut butter frosting, or even a white chocolate frosting if you prefer. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination.

Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosted Brownies

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Indulge in the rich, decadent world of Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosted Brownies. This recipe combines the moist, fudgy goodness of classic brownies with a creamy, tangy chocolate cream cheese frosting that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

1 cup 225g unsalted butter, melted
2 cups 400g granulated sugar

1 cup 95g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs

1 1/2 cups 180g all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup 175g chocolate chips (optional)

For the Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces 225g cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup 60g unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup 45g unsweetened cocoa powder
4 cups 480g powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-4 tablespoons milk as needed for consistency

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients for Brownies: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and 1 cup of cocoa powder. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition.

Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir these dry ingredients into the cocoa mixture until well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Prepare the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the 1/2 cup cocoa powder and vanilla extract, mixing until incorporated. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Frost the Brownies: Once the brownies are completely cooled, spread the chocolate cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Cut into squares.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the brownies at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.