Are you searching for a truly indulgent treat that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the tangy, creamy swirl of cheesecake? Then look no further! These Hershey’s Cream Cheese Brownies are a true masterpiece of flavor and texture, creating a dessert that is both satisfying and incredibly moreish. The deep chocolatey base, made with the iconic Hershey’s cocoa powder, is perfectly complemented by the smooth, sweet cream cheese layer, creating a marbled effect that is as beautiful as it is delicious. In this post, we’ll guide you through each step of creating these amazing brownies, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results. Get ready to experience the ultimate brownie indulgence!
Building the Chocolate Foundation: The Brownie Batter
Before we get to the creamy swirl, we must first create the perfect fudgy brownie base. This is the bedrock of our dessert, providing a rich and decadent counterpoint to the cream cheese layer.
Ingredients for the Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
- Next, in a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat.
- Subsequently, add the granulated sugar to the melted butter and stir until well combined. This creates a smooth base for the brownie batter.
- Then, allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated and helps create a smooth batter.
- After the eggs have been fully mixed in, stir in the vanilla extract.
- Following, add the Hershey’s cocoa powder to the batter and whisk until fully incorporated. The batter should be smooth and chocolatey at this stage.
- Now, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder.
- Finally, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can lead to tough brownies. The batter should be thick and glossy.
The Creamy Counterpart: Creating the Cream Cheese Layer
Now that we’ve created our delicious brownie base, it’s time to prepare the tangy and sweet cream cheese layer. This layer provides a beautiful contrast in flavor and texture, and it will create a stunning marbled effect when swirled into the brownie batter.
Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Firstly, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar.
- Next, using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Then, beat in the egg until well combined, ensuring that there are no lumps.
- Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. The cream cheese mixture should be smooth, creamy, and ready to be swirled into the brownie batter.
Assembling the Masterpiece: Marbling the Layers
With both our brownie batter and cream cheese filling ready, it’s time for the fun part: assembling and marbling the two layers. This step is crucial for creating the beautiful swirls that make these brownies so appealing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- First, pour the prepared brownie batter into the greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Spread it out evenly to create a smooth base.
- Then, dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the top of the brownie batter. Aim for a random pattern to create the marble effect.
- Next, using a knife or a skewer, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this will blend the two layers rather than creating a beautiful marble. The aim is to achieve a marbled look, where the two batters are gently blended.
- Finally, the top of the brownies should have a nice, swirled appearance, ready for baking.
Baking to Fudgy Perfection: Achieving the Ideal Texture
Now that our brownies are assembled, it’s time to bake them to gooey, fudgy perfection. The baking time is crucial for achieving that perfect texture, where the edges are slightly crisp and the center is still soft and moist.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Carefully place the baking pan in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as this will result in dry brownies.
- Once they are done, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least one hour. This cooling period is crucial for the brownies to set properly.
Cooling and Cutting: Patience is Key
Before you dive into these delicious brownies, it’s important to allow them to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut into clean, even squares.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- After the brownies have cooled in the pan for at least an hour, carefully lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it) or by using a spatula to loosen the edges.
- Then, place the brownies on a cutting board and using a sharp knife, cut them into even squares. Be sure to clean your knife after each cut, to get clean, neat squares.
Serving and Savoring: The Ultimate Indulgence
These Hershey’s Cream Cheese Brownies are best served at room temperature, allowing the flavors to fully develop. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together, a special celebration, or just a personal treat.
Serving Suggestions:
- On Their Own: These brownies are so delicious that they can be enjoyed just as they are.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.
- With a Glass of Cold Milk: Pair the brownies with a glass of cold milk for a comforting and satisfying treat.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy the brownies with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a latte.
In conclusion, these Hershey’s Cream Cheese Brownies are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. The combination of the rich, fudgy brownie base and the tangy, creamy cheesecake swirl is a flavor match made in heaven. The marbled appearance adds to their appeal, making them a visual masterpiece as well as a taste sensation. This recipe proves that baking can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Therefore, gather your ingredients and start baking a batch of these irresistible brownies, and watch how quickly they disappear. The rich chocolate aroma filling your kitchen and the first bite of the warm, gooey brownie will undoubtedly make your day a little bit sweeter. This recipe is a must-try for any chocolate lover, and we hope you love it as much as we do! So, go ahead and treat yourself – you deserve it!