Silky Brownies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Dreamy Silky Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Decadent chocolate dreams come alive with these silky brownies with cream cheese frosting that melt in your mouth.

Rich cocoa layers promise pure indulgence for every chocolate enthusiast.

The velvety texture creates an irresistible dessert experience.

Smooth cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch to each delectable square.

Chocolate lovers will adore this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Baking these brownies takes minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to treat yourself to a seriously delicious chocolate experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 16

Ingredients for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

For Base Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and helps create a tender brownie texture. Choose high-quality butter for best results.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a crisp brownie top. Fresh, fine-grain sugar works best.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings moisture and deep caramel undertones. Look for soft, clump-free brown sugar.
For Binding Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and create structure. Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity. Opt for pure vanilla extract over artificial versions.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the foundational structure of the brownies. Sift to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa provides deeper color and richer taste.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies chocolate notes. Use fine sea salt for even seasoning.
  • Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise slightly and creates a softer texture.
For Optional Add-In:
  • Chocolate Chips: Introduces extra chocolate bursts. Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chips work wonderfully.
For Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides tangy, smooth base for frosting. Use full-fat, softened cream cheese.
  • Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet frosting consistency. Sift to prevent lumps.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle aromatic depth to frosting.

Gear Up for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending butter and sugars into a creamy mixture.
  • Separate mixing bowl: Needed for sifting dry ingredients together.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Key for baking and shaping the brownies.
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray: Helps prevent brownies from sticking.
  • Sifter or fine-mesh strainer: Great for ensuring smooth, lump-free dry ingredients.
  • Spatula: Useful for folding in chocolate chips and spreading batter evenly.
  • Toothpick: Helps check brownies for doneness.
  • Cooling rack: Allows brownies to cool evenly after baking.

Step-by-Step: Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab your baking dish and give it a quick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal.

  • Create The Chocolate Base

In a big mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugar until they become a smooth, silky mixture that looks like liquid gold.

  • Add Liquid Goodness

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s beautifully combined and looks super glossy.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, gently sift together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. This is where the magic of texture happens.

  • Combine And Conquer

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Don’t overmix! Gently incorporate until just combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chocolate chips for extra decadence.

  • Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Slide into the heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

  • Cool And Transform

Let the brownies cool completely. This patience will reward you with perfect, fudgy squares ready for devouring.

Tips for Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Success

  • Perfect Baking Tips: Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter mixing.
  • Texture Trick: Don't overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy and tender.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for lactose-free version.
  • Frosting Flexibility: Replace cream cheese with vegan cream cheese alternative for plant-based diets.
  • Storage Secret: Store brownies in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for one week.

How to Serve Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Dessert Companion Delights: Cream Cheese Frosting Pairings
  • Party Platter Perfection: Slice brownies into bite-sized squares and arrange on a decorative platter with fresh berries and mint leaves for an elegant dessert presentation.
  • Ice Cream Dream: Serve warm brownie squares topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzled with caramel sauce for a decadent treat that balances rich chocolate and cool creaminess.
  • Coffee Café Experience: Pair these brownies with a strong espresso or cappuccino, allowing the rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese frosting to complement the robust coffee notes.
  • Seasonal Celebration: Garnish with seasonal toppings like crushed candy canes during winter, fresh strawberries in spring, or toasted nuts during autumn to elevate the brownie experience.

Keep Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting Fresh

  • Smart Fridge Storage: Keep frosted brownies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Stack layers between wax paper to prevent sticking and maintain frosting texture.
  • Quick Freezing Technique: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen brownies stay delicious for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
  • Counter Life Span: Unfrosted brownies can sit at room temperature in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Ensure the space is cool and dry to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare brownie batter and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Allow batter to reach room temperature before spreading in the baking dish for consistent texture and even baking.
Print
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Silky Brownies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Silky Brownies With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 17 1x

Description

Creamy cream cheese frosting elevates classic brownies from Mexico to gourmet status. Chocolate lovers will savor rich layers of intense flavor and silky smooth texture in each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (2 sticks/226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup (85 grams) chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
  • 2 tsps vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (1 stick/113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk melted butter with granulated and brown sugars until smooth, then blend in eggs and vanilla extract to create a silky liquid base.
  3. Combine Dry Components: Sift flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder together, eliminating any potential lumps in the dry mixture.
  4. Create Batter: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients with minimal stirring, gently incorporating chocolate chips for even distribution.
  5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan, ensuring complete coverage, and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted shows a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool and Frost: Allow brownies to cool completely, then top with a smooth cream cheese frosting, creating an even and decorative layer that complements the rich, fudgy base.

Notes

  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter gently to avoid tough brownies, ensuring ingredients are just combined for a soft, delicate texture.
  • Temperature Control: Let ingredients like eggs and butter reach room temperature for smoother blending and more consistent baking results.
  • Chocolate Chip Distribution: Coat chocolate chips lightly in flour to prevent sinking, ensuring even spread throughout the brownie batter.
  • Moisture Check: Test doneness with toothpick method – a few moist crumbs indicate perfect fudgy consistency, preventing dry or overbaked brownies.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 17
  • Calories: 313
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 168 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 83 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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