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A stack of three brownies with cream cheese frosting.

Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is the perfect topping for rich, fudgy brownies. The smooth, sweet creaminess pairs perfectly with the chocolatey goodness of the brownies.
These brownies are incredibly rich and decadent, so slice them into at least 24 squares (I usually slice them into 30 servings).
4.75 from 43 votes
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 32 minutes
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 52 minutes
Servings: 24 to 30 brownies
Calories: 212kcal
Author: Dahn Boquist

Ingredients

Brownies

  • 12 tablespoons butter 170 grams
  • 8 ounces chocolate chopped** (227 grams) (or 1-⅓ cups chocolate chips)
  • 4 eggs
  • 1-⅔ cups sugar 333 grams
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 120 grams
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder 40 grams
  • ¾ teaspoon salt

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 8 ounces cream cheese block style

Instructions

For the Brownies

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 13x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. (If you want to skip the parchment paper, ensure you grease the pan well). 
  • Place the butter and chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Melt it in the microwave using 10-second bursts, stirring in between bursts. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler (set a heatproof dish over a pan of gently simmering water). 
  • When the chocolate and butter are completely melted, set it aside to cool slightly,
  • Add the eggs to a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and vanilla extract. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until it is pale yellow in color and slightly thickened (this step will give the brownies a fudgier texture).
  • Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt over the egg mixture and stir it until well combined. 
  • Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread it out evenly with the back of a spoon.
  • Bake for 18 to 24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Place the pan on a cooling rack and let them cool in the pan for at least 2 hours. In the meantime, make the frosting. 

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Add the butter and powdered sugar to a mixing bowl. Start the mixer on low speed, then increase the speed to medium high. Beat until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well.
  • Add the cream cheese frosting and beat on medium-high speed until well blended.
  • When the brownies are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.

Notes

  • The center of the brownies will appear slightly underbaked but it will set up when it is completely cool. 
  • If you have an instant-read thermometer, the brownies will be done baking when the internal temperature reads between 180°F to 198°F. They will be a bit gooey at 180°F.
  • Let the cream cheese and butter come to room temperature. It will be difficult to get a smooth, creamy frosting if they are too cold. 
  • Use brick-style cream cheese for the frosting (not the type that comes in a tub). 

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 212kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g