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Marbled Brownies

Marbled Brownies - recipe card
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These fudgy brownies feature a luscious cream cheese swirl that cuts through the rich chocolate, creating a beautiful marbled effect. The top is crackly and shiny while the center stays moist and dense for an indulgent treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
  • 4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate (54% cacao), roughly chopped
  • 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (62g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 oz (113g) full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Start by putting a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F / 175°C. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two opposite sides for easy lifting, and lightly grease the paper with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolate. Set the bowl over a saucepan of barely simmering water (or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each), and melt until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes until warm but not hot — no steam rising off the surface.
  3. Whisk the 3/4 cup sugar into the melted chocolate until fully combined and slightly grainy. The mixture will be thick and glossy.
  4. Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the batter turns shiny and thick — about 1 minute. This step builds the crackly top through emulsification.
  5. Whisk in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Then sprinkle the flour, baking powder, and salt over the batter and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined — a few streaks are fine; overmixing makes brownies tough.
  6. In a separate small bowl, beat the cream cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup sugar, the egg yolk, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon vanilla until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
  7. Scrape the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer with the spatula.
  8. Spoon the cream cheese mixture in dollops evenly over the chocolate batter. Using a butter knife or skewer, swirl the cream cheese through the batter in a figure-eight pattern, but do not overmix — you want distinct ribbons.
  9. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles and level the top. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 28–30 minutes, until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the center comes out with only moist crumbs (not wet batter). The center will still jiggle slightly — it will finish setting as it cools.
  10. Remove the pan to a wire rack and let cool completely in the pan, about 1 hour. Chill for 30 minutes in the refrigerator to make slicing cleaner and to set the cream cheese layer.
  11. Once chilled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper and place on a cutting board. Use a sharp chef’s knife to cut into 4 equal rectangles (or 9 squares if you prefer). Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
  12. For an extra touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving, if desired. The contrast of sweet chocolate and salty cream cheese elevates the flavor.
  13. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Brownies also freeze well — see notes.

Notes

Store fully cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes, or reheat in a 300°F / 150°C oven for 5–7 minutes to regain a fresh-baked texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: marbled brownies, cream cheese brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate brownies, chocolate dessert, homemade brownies, easy brownie recipe, baked dessert, cream cheese swirl, rich chocolate

Find it online: https://copycatkitchenco.com/marbled-brownies/