Experience the perfect harmony of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese in these sophisticated marbled brownies. Enhanced with hints of espresso and orange, these brownies offer an elevated take on the classic favorite, creating an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- ⅔ cup (150g) butter
- 7 oz (200g) semisweet chocolate
- ⅔ cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50ml) espresso, freshly brewed
- 1 teaspoon (5g) vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (2g) almond extract
- 3 tablespoons (24g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (4g) baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon (2g) salt
For the Cream Cheese Mixture
- 12 oz (350g) cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- Zest of one orange
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh orange juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C)
- Line 9×13 inch (24×35 cm) baking pan with parchment paper
- Grease parchment paper lightly
2. Cream Cheese Mixture
- Beat cream cheese until smooth
- Mix in sugar until well combined
- Add orange zest and juice
- Incorporate egg
- Set aside
3. Brownie Batter
- Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt
- Melt chocolate and butter over bain-marie
- Whisk sugar into melted chocolate mixture
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well
- Stir in espresso, vanilla, and almond extracts
- Fold in flour mixture until just combined
4. Assembly and Baking
- Pour brownie batter into prepared pan, reserving ¾ cup
- Spread cream cheese mixture over brownie layer
- Dollop reserved brownie batter on top
- Create marble pattern using knife
- Bake for 25-30 minutes
- Cool completely
- Refrigerate several hours or overnight
Time and Nutritional Information
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 30 minutes
- Bake: 25-30 minutes
- Cooling: 4 hours minimum
- Total: 5 hours
Nutritional Information (per square, serves 24):
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 165mg
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Temperature Matters
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature
- Use hot knife for clean cuts
- Don’t overbake – edges should be set but center slightly jiggly
- Perfect Marbling
- Use light hand when creating swirls
- Don’t overmix patterns
- Create swirls in figure-eight motions
- Texture Control
- Don’t overmix brownie batter
- Tap pan gently to remove air bubbles
- Check doneness with toothpick test
Variations and Substitutions
- Flavor Alternatives
- Replace orange with lemon or lime
- Add mint extract to cream cheese mixture
- Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet
- Coffee Options
- Substitute espresso with strong brewed coffee
- Use instant espresso powder
- Skip coffee for less intense chocolate flavor
- Cheese Options
- Use mascarpone for richer texture
- Try low-fat cream cheese
- Add ricotta for different texture
Common FAQs
Q: Can I freeze these brownies?
A: Yes, freeze for up to 3 months. Wrap individually and store in airtight container.
Q: Why did my cream cheese mixture sink?
A: Ensure brownie batter is thick enough and spread cream cheese carefully.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes, use 8×8 inch pan and reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
Q: Why is overnight refrigeration recommended?
A: It allows flavors to develop and makes cutting easier.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate in airtight container up to 5 days
- Freeze for up to 3 months
- Allow frozen brownies to thaw overnight in refrigerator
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare both batters day before
- Store batters separately in refrigerator
- Bring to room temperature before baking
- Cut brownies while cold for clean edges
These sophisticated Cream Cheese Marbled Brownies combine the richness of classic chocolate brownies with a luxurious cream cheese swirl, enhanced by subtle notes of orange and espresso. The perfect balance of flavors and textures creates an elegant dessert that’s equally suitable for special occasions or sophisticated afternoon treats. The marbling technique not only creates a stunning visual effect but also ensures each bite offers a perfect blend of chocolate and cream cheese.
