This Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe uses a box brownie mix with dark chocolate chips and adds in a rich cream cheese swirl to make them scrumptious. They’re semi-homemade, so you can use a boxed mix and make your own cream cheese topping to speed up the bake time. Ideal for bake sales, parties, and so much more!
I recently needed a quick dessert to take to a party. Although I typically make something from scratch, I did not have time, so I improvised by using a box mix and embellishing.
I know for those die hard bakers this is sacrilegious, but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.
I mixed up a box of Ghirardelli dark chocolate with chips brownie mix as directed. Then in a separate bowl I made a cream cheese mixture.
These brownies are quick, easy and delicious! For those that prefer making the brownies from scratch, there are many, many recipes out there and many on this blog, like the Best Brownies Ever or Fudgy Chocolate Brownies.
Feel free to use one of them and then swirl in the cream cheese mixture.
Why you’ll love this Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe
Quick and easy, especially if you use a box mix like I did
The cream cheese layer adds a contrast of flavor and makes the brownies special
Moist, rich, and delicious with lots of chocolate flavor
The flavor deepens in the fridge so you’ll be nibbling on them all week
Ingredients
For the brownies:
Boxed brownie mix or your preferred recipe plus a bunch of chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli’s brownie mix with chocolate chips)
For the cream cheese swirl:
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract
Egg yolk
Cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla
Cream cheese filling ready for swirling
Closeup of cream cheese brownies
How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
Preheat over to 325.
Mix up a box of Ghirardelli (or other) dark chocolate with chips brownie mix as directed. Set aside.
In a separate bowl assemble all ingredients for the cream cheese filling and whip until smooth.
Layer the mixture in a pan sprayed with cooking spray, beginning with a layer of the brownie mix.
Dot the top with the cream cheese mixture, then another layer of brownie mix.
Finish with the rest of the cream cheese mixture.
Use a skewer to swirl the cream cheese layer around.
Bake the brownies for about 47 minutes, you do not want these to be overdone, or they get very dry.
Test to see if they are done with a skewer or a toothpick in the middle, you want a few crumbs sticking to the utensil.
Tips & Variations
Use a good quality box mix. The quality of your brownie makes all the difference so choose a good brand.
Add some chips. If your boxed mix doesn’t include chocolate chips, add some in.
Storage
Once cooled, these brownies should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the softest texture.
This Cream Cheese Brownie Recipe uses a box brownie mix with dark chocolate chips and adds in a rich cream cheese swirl to make them scrumptious. They're semi-homemade, so you can use a boxed mix and make your own cream cheese topping to speed up the bake time. Ideal for bake sales, parties, and so much more!
Mmmmm, these look fabulous!
Woooah! These look utterly gorgeous!!
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