We’ve discovered the ultimate dessert that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure joy – brownies with cream cheese frosting. This irresistible combination brings together the rich, fudgy decadence of classic brownies with the tangy sweetness of silky cream cheese frosting that melts perfectly on your tongue.
What makes these brownies absolutely extraordinary isn’t just their incredible flavor profile. The contrast between the dense, chocolatey base and the light, creamy topping creates a texture experience that’s simply unforgettable. Each bite delivers that perfect balance of sweet and tangy that keeps you coming back for more.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to something spectacular, these brownies with cream cheese frosting will steal the show. We’re confident this recipe will become your go-to dessert that friends and family will beg you to make again and again.
Ingredients
We’ve carefully selected premium ingredients to create both rich brownies and silky cream cheese frosting. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream as needed for consistency
Equipment Needed
Creating these decadent brownies with cream cheese frosting requires the right tools to ensure perfect results. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of essential equipment that will help you achieve bakery-quality brownies every time.
Essential Baking Tools:
- Large Mixing Bowls – Separate bowls for preparing brownie batter and cream cheese frosting
- 8×8 Inch or 9×9 Inch Baking Pan – Standard square pan for even brownie thickness
- Parchment Paper – Lines the baking pan for easy removal and cleanup
- Microwave-Safe Bowl – For melting chocolate or butter safely
- Fine-Mesh Sieve – Sifts powdered sugar for smooth frosting texture
Mixing Equipment:
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Essential for achieving fluffy cream cheese frosting
- Whisk or Large Spoon – Combines brownie ingredients effectively
- Silicone Spatula – Folds batter gently and scrapes bowl sides clean
Optional but Helpful:
- Digital Food Scale – Ensures accurate measurements for consistent results
| Equipment Category | Primary Use | Critical for Success |
|---|---|---|
| Baking Pan | Even heat distribution | Yes |
| Mixer | Frosting preparation | Yes |
| Mixing Bowls | Ingredient combination | Yes |
| Sieve | Smooth frosting | Recommended |
Key Success Tips:
Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting application to prevent melting. The cream cheese frosting requires proper mixing equipment to achieve the ideal consistency. Adjust powdered sugar quantities to reach your preferred frosting thickness. Store finished brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Having these tools ready before starting ensures a smooth baking process and professional-looking results that will impress everyone who tastes these indulgent treats.
Instructions
Now we’re ready to transform our carefully selected ingredients into these irresistible brownies with cream cheese frosting. Follow these detailed steps to create a dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavors with creamy tangy frosting.
Prep the Pan and Oven
We start by preheating our oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking throughout. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray to prevent any sticking. This preparation step ensures our brownies will release cleanly from the pan once cooled.
Make the Brownie Batter
We begin by whisking together our dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. In a separate large bowl, we whisk the eggs and egg yolk until smooth, then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Beat this wet mixture until completely combined and glossy. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Gently fold in the chocolate chips if using, being careful not to overmix the batter.
Bake the Brownies
Pour the prepared batter into our lined baking pan, spreading it evenly to the corners with an offset spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached for perfectly fudgy brownies. We avoid overbaking to maintain that desired chewy texture. Remove from the oven and cool the brownies in the pan for 30 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Using an electric mixer, we beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl sides as needed to ensure even mixing. Add the vanilla extract and beat briefly to incorporate. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed initially to prevent a sugar cloud. Increase to medium speed and beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of milk if needed to achieve the perfect spreading consistency.
Assemble and Frost
Once our brownies have cooled completely, we spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using an offset spatula. Create smooth, even strokes for a professional appearance, or swirl the frosting for a more rustic look. If the frosting feels too soft to work with, refrigerate the frosted brownies for 20-30 minutes to firm up before cutting. Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage keeps our cream cheese frosted brownies fresh and delicious for days. We need to handle these treats differently than regular brownies due to the cream cheese frosting component.
Refrigerated Storage
We always store frosted brownies in the refrigerator to maintain food safety and quality. Place the brownies in an airtight container immediately after cutting them into squares. Our frosted brownies stay fresh in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days when stored properly.
| Storage Method | Duration | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated (frosted) | 5-7 days | Airtight container |
| Room temperature (unfrosted) | 3-4 days | Airtight container |
| Frozen (frosted) | 2-3 months | Wrapped + airtight container |
Freezing for Long-Term Storage
We can freeze our frosted brownies for extended storage. First chill the brownies completely in the refrigerator. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped brownies in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. Our frozen brownies maintain their quality for up to 2 to 3 months.
Thawing Frozen Brownies
We thaw frozen brownies overnight in the refrigerator for best results. For quicker thawing we can leave them on the counter for about one hour. Alternatively we can microwave individual brownies for up to 30 seconds for immediate serving.
Unfrosted Brownie Storage
We store unfrosted brownies at room temperature in an airtight container. These brownies stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days without refrigeration. This option works well if we plan to frost the brownies later or serve them plain.
Frosting Storage Tips
We can prepare extra cream cheese frosting ahead of time. Store unused frosting in the freezer for up to three months in a labeled and dated container. This allows us to have frosting ready for future batches of brownies or other desserts.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead transforms your baking experience into a stress-free try. We’ve discovered that these cream cheese frosted brownies offer incredible flexibility for advance preparation without compromising their delicious quality.
Preparing Brownies in Advance
Unfrosted brownies store beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Baking brownies typically takes 30-40 minutes depending on your pan size, and we recommend allowing them to cool in the pan for at least one hour before handling. This cooling period ensures the brownies maintain their structure and don’t crumble when you cut them.
Making Cream Cheese Frosting Ahead
Our cream cheese frosting can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla for the perfect consistency. Some frosting variations can even be frozen for up to 3 months, giving you ultimate flexibility in your meal planning.
| Storage Method | Timeline | Container Type |
|---|---|---|
| Unfrosted brownies (room temp) | Up to 1 week | Airtight container |
| Frosted brownies (refrigerated) | Up to 1 week | Airtight container |
| Cream cheese frosting (refrigerated) | Up to 3 days | Airtight container |
| Cream cheese frosting (frozen) | Up to 3 months | Freezer-safe container |
Assembly Strategy
We recommend preparing the frosting separately and storing it ahead of time. Soften the frosting before use by allowing it to come to room temperature for easier spreading. Once your brownies are completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting on top using your preferred technique.
Serving Preparation
Chill frosted brownies in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing to ensure neat, clean cuts. This extra step prevents the frosting from smearing and creates professional-looking squares that showcase both the rich brownie layer and creamy frosting topping.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving these brownies at different temperatures to enhance your guests’ experience. Room temperature brownies offer a softer bite that allows the cream cheese frosting to meld beautifully with the fudgy base. Chilled brownies from the refrigerator provide a firmer texture that creates a delightful contrast between the cool creamy frosting and dense chocolate layers.
Our portioning guide helps you determine the perfect serving size for any occasion. We can cut the brownies into 9 larger squares for generous portions or 16 smaller squares for lighter servings and larger gatherings.
| Serving Size | Number of Pieces | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Large squares | 9 pieces | Dessert portions |
| Small squares | 16 pieces | Party servings |
Temperature timing makes a important difference in flavor delivery. We suggest removing chilled brownies from the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes before serving to enhance their taste profile. This brief warming period allows the cream cheese frosting to soften slightly while maintaining its structural integrity.
Presentation elevates these already impressive brownies to bakery quality desserts. We love sprinkling chocolate shavings across the cream cheese frosting for an elegant finish. Crumbled brownie crumbs also create an appealing textural contrast when dusted over the smooth frosting surface.
Plating options expand your serving possibilities beyond simple squares. We arrange individual brownies on dessert plates with fresh berries for color contrast. Alternatively we serve them directly from the pan for casual family gatherings where guests can help themselves to their preferred portion size.
Conclusion
These cream cheese frosted brownies represent the perfect marriage of rich chocolate indulgence and tangy cream cheese sophistication. We’ve shown you how simple ingredients and proper technique can create a dessert that rivals any bakery offering.
With our make-ahead tips and storage guidelines you’ll never be caught unprepared for unexpected guests or special occasions. The flexibility of this recipe means you can customize portions and presentation to suit any gathering.
Whether you’re treating yourself to a midweek indulgence or impressing dinner party guests these brownies deliver consistently impressive results. The combination of our detailed instructions and professional techniques ensures your success every time you bake them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients do I need for cream cheese frosted brownies?
For the brownies, you’ll need unsalted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. The cream cheese frosting requires softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream for consistency.
What equipment is essential for making these brownies?
Key tools include large mixing bowls, an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan, parchment paper, a microwave-safe bowl, and a fine-mesh sieve. You’ll also need mixing equipment like a hand or stand mixer, whisk, and silicone spatula for professional results.
How long do cream cheese frosted brownies last?
Frosted brownies should be refrigerated in an airtight container and will stay fresh for 5 to 7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for 2 to 3 months after wrapping individually. Unfrosted brownies can be stored at room temperature for 3 to 4 days.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Unfrosted brownies can be stored at room temperature for up to one week. The cream cheese frosting can be made up to three days in advance and refrigerated. Some frosting variations can even be frozen for up to three months for future use.
What’s the best way to serve cream cheese frosted brownies?
Room temperature brownies offer a softer bite, while chilled brownies provide firmer texture. Remove chilled brownies from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor. Cut into 9 larger squares for generous portions or 16 smaller squares for lighter servings.
How do I achieve clean cuts when slicing frosted brownies?
Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting, then chill the frosted brownies before slicing. This helps maintain structure and creates neat, professional-looking cuts. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for the best results.
