Cream Cheese Brownies

Is it really worth the effort to make homemade brownies instead of buying a box mix?  Boxed brownie mixes average around 4.00 a box and a batch of homemade brownies will probably cost you almost double that amount.  It's also going to take more time to put together a homemade batch of brownies since the ingredients aren't pre measured.  So the obvious question is: Are homemade brownies really worth the extra cost and time that it takes to prepare them?  

It may surprise you to know that I really do like boxed mix brownies.  Seriously.  Boxed mix brownies are quick, easy, reliable and convenient.  Fudgey, chocolatey boxed mix brownies with crispy edges and flaky tops are amazing. But ... I love homemade brownies even more. 

If you're a fan of boxed mixed brownies and you don't think that homemade brownies even come close to their greatness, I have one thing to say to you.  Cream Cheese Brownies - Try them.

Cream Cheese Brownies
Cream Cheese Filling
4 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup sour cream 
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 Tablespoon flour

Brownie Batter
2/3 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
8 Tablespoons butter
1 1/4 cups sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
​

Microwave cream cheese 20-30 seconds until soft. 

Add sour cream, sugar and flour and whisk until combined. 

Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.  

Microwave chocolate and butter until melted. 

Whisk together sugar, eggs and vanilla. 

Add melted chocolate.

Add flour mixture and fold to combine. 

Spread remaining batter in 8" square baking pan fitted with a greased foil sling.  

Microwave remaining batter 20 seconds until pourable and warm. 

Spread cream cheese over batter in pan. 

Dollop softened batter over cream cheese using spoon.  (6-8 dollops)

Use knife to swirl batter through cream cheese filling.

Bake 35-40 minutes at 325.  Let cool 1 hour. 

Lift brownies from pan using foil sling.  Cool 1 hour.  Slice.

Enjoy!!!

Now that I've successfully converted you to a homemade brownie fan, I feel like I can answer my own question.  YES - homemade brownies really ARE worth the extra cost and effort.  They're just that good.

​Ciao!

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