Brownies are a classic, indulgent treat that never goes out of style. But when you top them with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting, they become absolutely irresistible! This recipe combines the deep, fudgy goodness of chocolate brownies with the smooth, creamy texture of cream cheese frosting, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this guide will take you through each step, ensuring you achieve the best brownies with cream cheese frosting.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Rich and Fudgy: These brownies have a deep chocolate flavor with a moist, chewy texture.
- Perfectly Balanced: The tangy cream cheese frosting complements the sweetness of the brownies.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment required—just simple ingredients and a few steps.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual get-together, these brownies are always a hit!
Ingredients Needed for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup (100g) chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Brownie Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Baking the Brownies
- Pour the Batter: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before frosting.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
Assembling the Brownies
- Spread the Frosting: Once the brownies have cooled, evenly spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Slice and Serve: Cut into squares and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Brownies
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the brownies tough. Stir until just combined.
- Check for Doneness Early: Brownies continue to cook in the pan after being removed from the oven.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating for 30 minutes makes for cleaner cuts.
Brownie Variations and Add-Ins
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Marbled Brownies: Swirl some extra cream cheese into the batter before baking.
- Extra Chocolatey: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks for intense flavor.
How to Store Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days when stored in a covered container.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Occasions to Serve These Brownies
- Birthday Parties
- Holiday Gatherings
- Potlucks
- Weekend Treats
Pairing Suggestions for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting?
- A glass of cold milk
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A cup of hot coffee or espresso
- A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce
Healthier Alternatives
- Use Greek yogurt instead of butter for a lower-fat option.
- Swap whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Replace sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overbaking: Leads to dry brownies. Check for doneness around 30 minutes.
- Frosting Too Soon: Let brownies cool fully before adding frosting.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing.
FAQs About Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the brownies and store them unfrosted for up to 3 days. Frost before serving.
2. Can I use store-bought brownie mix?
Absolutely! Just bake the brownies as directed and top with homemade cream cheese frosting.
3. What if my frosting is too runny?
Chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to firm up before spreading.
4. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
5. How do I make the brownies extra fudgy?
Use more butter, less flour, and don’t overbake for an ultra-fudgy texture.
Print
Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These homemade brownies with cream cheese frosting are rich, fudgy, and incredibly delicious. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any sweet craving!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ cup (100g) chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Brownie Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding frosting.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar gradually, followed by vanilla extract, and beat until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
- Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Slice into squares and serve!
Notes
- Don’t overmix the batter—stir until just combined for a fudgy texture.
- Check for doneness at 30 minutes—brownies continue cooking in the pan.
- Chill before slicing for clean, even cuts.
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes