Easy Cheese Fudge Brownies combine the rich, chocolatey decadence of classic fudge brownies with a creamy cheesecake-like swirl. This recipe is designed for home bakers who want an impressive yet approachable dessert. The combination of smooth cream cheese filling and dense chocolate layers makes these bars perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday dessert spreads. Their unique marbled appearance and irresistible texture have made them a nostalgic favorite among families for decades.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup butter (or margarine)
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate (1 oz each unsweetened chocolate)
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cup flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup nuts (coarsely chopped )
Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 pkg (8 oz cream cheese, softened)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Step 2: Prepare Brownie Batter
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat chocolate mixture, sugar, eggs, and vanilla on medium speed for about 5 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Reduce speed and add flour, and salt. Stir until combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts if using.
Step 3: Make Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble Layers
- Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and spread gently.
- Add remaining brownie batter on top.
- Using a knife or spoon, gently swirl the top layer to create a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before cutting into 48 bars.
Tips
- Use parchment or grease the 9×9 pan well to prevent sticking
- Soften cream cheese fully for a smoother filling
- Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled appearance as directed
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans as written for texture and flavor
- Cool completely before cutting to avoid crumbling
- Chill for cleaner cuts and more defined layers
- Substitute margarine or butter exactly as written on the card
- Serve as small bites for parties since they are rich
- Use a toothpick test as written (“wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean”)
- Dust with powdered sugar for presentation
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 2.5gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 75mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 200IUCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.7mg
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