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–+ servings
Brownies with cream cheese frosting on a rack showing the texture.

Cream Cheese Frosted Brownies

Amanda
These chocolate brownies with cream cheese frosting are the ultimate chocolate indulgence, with a rich, fudgy texture and tangy cream cheese frosting!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 bars

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale
  • Mixing bowls
  • Handheld or stand mixer
  • Rubber Spatula
  • 8X8 metal baking pan

Ingredients
 

  • 7 tablespoons (100 grams) salted butter
  • 6 oz (170 grams) bittersweet chocolate 70%, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder this makes the chocolate flavor pop, I highly recommend using it
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup (71 grams) all purpose flour
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup (110 grams) cream cheese room temperature, full fat, brick style
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) salted butter room temperature, add a pinch of salt if you do not have salted butter
  • 1 and ⅓ cups (174 grams) powdered sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8X8 metal baking pan with parchment paper. Whisk together the flour and salt, set aside. Place the chopped chocolate in a medium bowl.
  • Melt the butter in the microwave or stovetop, pour the hot butter over the unsweetened chocolate, add the vanilla, and espresso powder. Stir until combined and smooth (place in the microwave for about 20 seconds if the chocolate isn't fully melted) set aside but do not let it cool completely, it should be warm.
  • Place the eggs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Beat with a whisk until the sugar has dissolved, about 2 minutes or until pale and thick. Add the warm butter chocolate mixture. Mix until combined.
  • Add the flour and salt. Mix until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour in the pan, spread the batter out evenly. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until the top looks set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Do not over bake.
  • Frost with cream cheese frosting once completely cooled down. Place in the refrigerator if you want the frosting to firm up a bit.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Beat the cream cheese, vanilla, and butter until combined and smooth. Add the powdered sugar, beat on low until combined, and then on medium high until smooth, light, and fluffy, about 1 minute. You can refrigerate the frosting if you prefer a thicker cold frosting before topping the brownies.

Notes

The brownies should not be over baked, a good way to know is sticking a toothpick in the middle and moist crumbs should be on the toothpick.
I like baking in metal pans, it bakes more evenly. Always line the pan with parchment paper.
If you want to quickly bring the eggs to room temperature, submerge them in a bowl of warm water.
Full fat cream cheese, brick style is ideal for making the best cream cheese frosting.
Storage:
Room Temperature
If the brownies are frosted, the cream cheese frosting can't be left out. The unfrosted brownies can be left out in an airtight container.
Refrigeration
The brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below and tag @stir.taste.smile on social.