Raspberry Cream Cheese Brownies

Raspberry cream cheese brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious swirl of tangy cream cheese and the sweet-tart brightness of raspberries. This decadent dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious, with a marbled appearance that makes it perfect for special occasions or an elegant treat to share. Easy to make and packed with flavor, these brownies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Raspberry Swirl:

• 1/3 cup raspberry preserves or jam
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, and stir until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in an even layer.
4. Add the Raspberry Swirl: Drop small spoonfuls of raspberry preserves over the cream cheese layer. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the jam into the cream cheese for a marbled effect. If using fresh raspberries, scatter them over the top.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.
6. Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve.

Raspberry cream cheese brownies are a decadent treat that marries the richness of chocolate with the tang of cream cheese and the sweetness of raspberries, making them a dessert you’ll come back to time and again!