Marbled Cream Cheese Brownies
Halloween Marbled Cream Cheese Brownies
Indulge in the rich, fudgy texture of brownies perfectly complemented by a smooth and sweet cream cheese layer. Best enjoyed chilled for an intensified flavor and dense consistency!
Brownie Batter- 130g Dark chocolate
- 90g Unsalted butter
- 85g Sugar
- 100g Eggs at room temperature (approx. 2 large eggs)
- 60g All-purpose flour
- 5g Cocoa powder
- 10g Black cocoa powder (for a deeper color and flavor)
- 1g Salt
- 10-30ml Warm heavy cream (to adjust batter consistency)
Cream Cheese Filling- 200g Cream cheese at room temperature
- 60g Sugar
- 1 large Egg at room temperature
- 3g Vanilla extract
- A little orange food coloring (for Halloween touch)
- 200g Cream cheese at room temperature
- 60g Sugar
- 1 large Egg at room temperature
- 3g Vanilla extract
- A little orange food coloring (for Halloween touch)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the rich brownie batter. In a heatproof bowl set over a double boiler (a pot of simmering water), melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together. Stir gently with a spatula until completely smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Be careful not to make it too hot, or it might cook the eggs.
Step 2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and room temperature eggs until the sugar is mostly dissolved. Pour the cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture and stir until well combined and smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Step 3
Next, prepare the dry ingredients for the brownie. Sift the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, black cocoa powder, and salt together over the wet ingredients. Sifting ensures a smooth texture and prevents lumps in your brownie. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough brownie.
Step 4
Take about one-third of the finished brownie batter and set it aside in a small separate bowl. This portion will be used later to create the marbled effect.
Step 5
Pour the remaining two-thirds of the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan (approximately 8×8 inches or 20×20 cm is recommended). Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly, ensuring the top surface is flat. A level surface will help the cream cheese layer blend nicely.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the smooth cream cheese filling. In a medium bowl, beat the room temperature cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and mix until well combined. Beat in the room temperature egg until fully incorporated and no streaks remain. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and a small amount of orange food coloring until you achieve your desired Halloween hue. Use the coloring sparingly for a subtle effect.
Step 7
Carefully pour the prepared cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the baking pan. Gently spread it to create an even layer across the top. You can lightly tap the pan to settle the mixture.
Step 8
It’s time to create the marbling effect! Dollop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. Then, using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the brownie batter into the cream cheese. Make just a few passes to create a beautiful marbled pattern without overmixing, which can make the colors muddy.
Step 9
Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Bake the marbled brownies for 27 to 30 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with moist crumbs attached. Aim for a slightly crisp edge and a fudgy center.
Step 10
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. For the best fudgy texture, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing and enjoying. Happy baking!
