Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies

Servings: 9 large brownies or 12 smaller brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 4 oz Philadelphia cream cheese (softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
   • Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined (don’t overmix).
   • Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, reserving about 1/4 cup for the topping.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Swirl:
   • In a small bowl, beat the softened Philadelphia cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Swirl the Batter:
   • Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Add dollops of the reserved brownie batter on top.
   • Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese and brownie batter together to create a marbled effect.
5. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. Lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.