Blackberry Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful twist on the classic brownie that I simply can’t resist. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie, only to discover a luscious layer of cream cheese swirled with sweet, tangy blackberries. This recipe not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings a burst of flavor that is both refreshing and indulgent. Historically, brownies have been a beloved dessert in American kitchens since the early 20th century, and adding blackberries gives this treat a unique, fruity flair that elevates it to a whole new level.
People adore Blackberry Cream Cheese Brownies for their perfect balance of taste and texture. The creamy, smooth cream cheese contrasts beautifully with the dense brownie base, while the blackberries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them a go-to dessert for gatherings or a cozy night in. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
Preparing the Brownie Batter
Let’s start by making the brownie batter. This is the foundation of our delicious Blackberry Cream Cheese Brownies.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Gently fold in the blackberries, being cautious not to break them too much. You want to keep some whole for that burst of flavor in every bite!
Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer
Now, let’s whip up the cream cheese layer that will add a delightful tanginess to our brownies.
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Set the cream cheese mixture aside while we prepare to assemble the brownies.
Assembling the Brownies
Now comes the fun part—layering everything together!
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Next, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, but don’t worry about making it perfect; it will swirl together as it bakes.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese layer into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it; you want to see some distinct swirls!
Baking the Brownies
It’s time to bake these beauties!
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes.
- After they’ve cooled slightly, you can transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for an hour. This step is optional, but it helps the cream cheese layer set up nicely and makes cutting easier.
Serving the Brownies
Now that your brownies are cooled and set, it’s time to cut and serve!
- Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for cleaner edges.
Conclusion:
In summary, these Blackberry Cream Cheese Brownies are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate with the tartness of fresh blackberries. The creamy layer of cream cheese adds a luxurious texture that elevates these brownies to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a potluck, or simply enjoying them at home with a cup of coffee, these brownies are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors even further. You can also experiment with variations by swapping out blackberries for other berries like raspberries or strawberries, or even adding a sprinkle of nuts for an extra crunch. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a picture of your beautiful Blackberry Cream Cheese Brownies. Happy baking! Print
Blackberry Cream Cheese Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Recipe You’ll Love
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 brownies 1x
Description
Enjoy these decadent Blackberry Cream Cheese Brownies, featuring a rich chocolate base swirled with a creamy, tangy cream cheese layer and fresh blackberries. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Gently fold in the blackberries, being cautious not to break them too much. You want to keep some whole for that burst of flavor in every bite!
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Set the cream cheese mixture aside while we prepare to assemble the brownies.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Next, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread it out, but don’t worry about making it perfect; it will swirl together as it bakes.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese layer into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it; you want to see some distinct swirls!
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes.
- After they’ve cooled slightly, you can transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for an hour. This step is optional, but it helps the cream cheese layer set up nicely and makes cutting easier.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares or rectangles, depending on your preference. Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for cleaner edges.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Feel free to substitute the blackberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries.
- These brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
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