These are a nice change from pure chocolate brownies, but are just as easy to make. The marbling dresses them up; the cream cheese gives them richness. Bake these when you are expecting a crowd, and serve them with ice cream or fruit.

Ingredients

  • 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 1/2 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F Butter a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan.
2. Put the chocolate in a microwave-safe measuring cup and microwave on medium (50 percent) power for about 1 minute. Stir and continue microwaving almost 1 minute more or until the chocolate softens and looks shiny. It will not melt completely. Remove the measuring cup from the microwave, and stir the chocolate until smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly while preparing the brownie batter.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer set on medium-high speed, beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Add the cream and vanilla and beat well. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, until the batter is smooth.
4. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add to the batter, and beat on low speed until incorporated. Scrape the batter into the pan. Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the batter, and using a kitchen knife or rubber spatula, stir the chocolate into the batter with a swirling motion until well marbled.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean and the brownies start to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool in the pan, set on a wire rack. Cut into squares to serve. Store in an airtight container.


Makes about 2 dozen brownies

Print this recipe

Submitted 5/7/06.
Source:
Submitted By: l mandrake

Marbled Chocolate-Cream Cheese Brownies