Do brownies with cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?

Yes, you should always refrigerate any baked good that is topped with cream cheese frosting.

What's the difference between cream cheese icing and frosting?

There really is no difference between cream cheese icing and cream cheese frosting, it may only be called a different named based on where you live.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely you can! To double it, you will need to bake the batter in a 9x13 inch metal baking pan and add 6-10 minutes to the baking time.

Can I use brownie mix?

Yes! If you want a shortcut option, feel free to make boxed brownies and then top them with the cream cheese frosting.

Why didn't my brownies turn out fudgy?

There's 2 reasons your brownies may not be fudgy. 1. You mismeasured the ingredients. Too much flour or cocoa powder will cause them to be more cake-like. 2. Your brownies are overbaked. I like to take mine out of the oven while there are still moist crumbs on the toothpick, a clean toothpick means that they're overbaked.

Fudgy Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Fudgy Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 113g salted butter (1 stick); 170g chopped dark chocolate (1 cup); 200g brown sugar (1 cup); 3 large eggs- room temperature; 90g all purpose flour (scant 3/4 cup); 25g unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder; 85g mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup); 113g full-fat cream cheese- room temperature (4 ounces); 28g salted butter- room temperature (1 ounce); 171g powdered sugar (1 1/2 cup); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fudgy Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting

brownie with cream cheese frosting with a bite take out of it on top of other brownies.

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

These Brownies with Cream Cheese Frosting are decadent, rich, and oh so amazing. A chocolatey, fudgy brownie is baked to perfection, cooled, then slathered in a tangy cream cheese frosting that balances the flavors perfectly. This dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth!

Author: Nicole Radcliffe
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 16 Servings 1x
Category: Brownies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Units Scale

For The Brownies:

113g salted butter (1 stick)
170g chopped dark chocolate (1 cup)
200g brown sugar (1 cup)
3 large eggs- room temperature
90g all purpose flour (scant 3/4 cup)
25g unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
85g mini chocolate chips (1/2 cup)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

113g full-fat cream cheese- room temperature (4 ounces)
28g salted butter- room temperature (1 ounce)
171g powdered sugar (1 1/2 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 metal baking pan with parchment paper
Melt the butter and chopped dark chocolate together in the microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring well between each until completely smooth and melted. (Up to 90 seconds total, or you run the risk of burning) Once melted, let the chocolate mixture cool for 5 minutes
After the 5 minutes, add the brown sugar and all 3 eggs to the melted chocolate mixture and stir well until everything is fully combined.
Next, add the flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt to the wet ingredients and gently fold everything together just until there are no traces of flour left. Be careful not to overmix!
Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spread into an even layer, and bake for 24-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely
Once the brownies are completely cooled, it's time to make the cream cheese frosting. To do that, mix softened butter and cream cheese until fully combined. Next add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and creamy
Use an offset spatula to generously spread the frosting overtop of the brownies. Chill for 15 minutes, then use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares, and enjoy!

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients: When everything is the same temperature, they mix together easier. In turn, you end up with a glossy, silky batter.
Measure properly: This is SO important! If you measure wrong, you can end up with brownies that are dry and dense or ones that won't set up at all. That's why I like to bake in grams because treats are delicious every time.
Bake in a metal pan: Metal conducts heat better than glass and will give you a more even bake on your brownies.
Line your pan with parchment paper: In order to ensure your brownies never stick, line your pan with parchment paper. I like to make a cross with 2 pieces so that every surface is covered.
Cool completely before frosting: You need to cool the brownies completely before topping them with the cream cheese frosting. If not, the frosting will melt and slide off, and that's no fun!
Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Find it online: https://www.coleinthekitchen.com/fudgy-brownies-with-cream-cheese-frosting/