Creamy Brownie with Cream Cheese and Cranberries
When it comes to delicious desserts, few can match the pleasure of a creamy, chocolate-rich brownie topped with a smooth cream cheese and a splash of cranberries. This recipe is not only simple but also a true delight for the taste buds! With a moist texture and an intense chocolate flavor, the brownie is sure to become the star of any meal. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
For the base:
- 6 whole eggs
- 400 g granulated sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 375 g butter (minimum 80% fat)
- 300 g dark chocolate (minimum 40% cocoa)
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g walnuts chopped into larger pieces
For the cream:
- 300 g natural cream cheese (we recommend Cavabel)
- 60 g soft butter
- 150 g powdered sugar
- vanilla extract or 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
For decoration:
- 50 g melted dark chocolate
- 50 g dried cranberries
Preparation:
1. Preparing the chocolate and butter: Start by breaking the chocolate into small pieces and placing it in a saucepan with the butter. Set the saucepan over low heat or a double boiler. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes shiny and smooth. Once completely melted, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them well with a mixer, adding the salt and granulated sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture lightens in color and doubles in volume – this step is essential for achieving a fluffy brownie.
3. Combining the ingredients: Pour the warm chocolate and butter mixture in a thin stream while continuing to mix. Ensure everything is well incorporated. Add the walnuts and mix on low speed, then add the sifted flour. Gently fold with a spatula until you achieve a smooth and fluid batter.
4. Preparing the baking pan: Take a baking pan measuring 20x30 cm (make sure it has high sides, as the brownie will rise during baking) and line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the top with a spatula.
5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan in the oven. Allow the brownie to bake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it's done using the toothpick method – if it comes out clean, it's time to take it out. Let the brownie cool in the pan, as it is very fragile.
6. Preparing the cream: In a clean bowl, add the cream cheese, soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Now it’s time to spread it evenly over the completely cooled base.
7. Decorating: Let the cream set in the fridge for 30 minutes. Once set, sprinkle the dried cranberries over the entire surface of the cake. In a small pot, melt the chocolate over low heat and use a syringe to decorate the brownie with fine lines of melted chocolate.
8. Serving: Cut the brownie into squares or rectangles and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It’s a perfect combination!
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing. This will help achieve a smooth texture.
- If you want to add a splash of extra flavor, you can also add a few drops of almond or orange essence to the cream cheese.
- Vary the recipe by adding other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a different taste.
- If you want a smaller quantity of brownie, you can halve the ingredients without any problems.
Nutritional benefits:
This brownie is not only delicious but also has nutritional benefits. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help improve heart health, and walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein. Cream cheese adds a boost of calcium, essential for bone health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, but keep in mind that the brownie will be less intense in flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet taste.
2. Can the leftover portions be frozen?
- Absolutely! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. You can enjoy them later after letting them thaw at room temperature.
3. What drink pairs best with this brownie?
- A fragrant coffee or a warm fruit tea are excellent choices that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the brownie.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to embark on this culinary adventure! This brownie with cream cheese and cranberries will bring a smile to anyone who enjoys it. Happy cooking!
When it comes to delicious desserts, few can match the pleasure of a creamy, chocolate-rich brownie topped with a smooth cream cheese and a splash of cranberries. This recipe is not only simple but also a true delight for the taste buds! With a moist texture and an intense chocolate flavor, the brownie is sure to become the star of any meal. Let's begin our culinary journey!
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
For the base:
- 6 whole eggs
- 400 g granulated sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 375 g butter (minimum 80% fat)
- 300 g dark chocolate (minimum 40% cocoa)
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g walnuts chopped into larger pieces
For the cream:
- 300 g natural cream cheese (we recommend Cavabel)
- 60 g soft butter
- 150 g powdered sugar
- vanilla extract or 2 sachets of vanilla sugar
For decoration:
- 50 g melted dark chocolate
- 50 g dried cranberries
Preparation:
1. Preparing the chocolate and butter: Start by breaking the chocolate into small pieces and placing it in a saucepan with the butter. Set the saucepan over low heat or a double boiler. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes shiny and smooth. Once completely melted, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Beating the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and beat them well with a mixer, adding the salt and granulated sugar. Continue mixing until the mixture lightens in color and doubles in volume – this step is essential for achieving a fluffy brownie.
3. Combining the ingredients: Pour the warm chocolate and butter mixture in a thin stream while continuing to mix. Ensure everything is well incorporated. Add the walnuts and mix on low speed, then add the sifted flour. Gently fold with a spatula until you achieve a smooth and fluid batter.
4. Preparing the baking pan: Take a baking pan measuring 20x30 cm (make sure it has high sides, as the brownie will rise during baking) and line it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the top with a spatula.
5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan in the oven. Allow the brownie to bake for 35-40 minutes. Check if it's done using the toothpick method – if it comes out clean, it's time to take it out. Let the brownie cool in the pan, as it is very fragile.
6. Preparing the cream: In a clean bowl, add the cream cheese, soft butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Now it’s time to spread it evenly over the completely cooled base.
7. Decorating: Let the cream set in the fridge for 30 minutes. Once set, sprinkle the dried cranberries over the entire surface of the cake. In a small pot, melt the chocolate over low heat and use a syringe to decorate the brownie with fine lines of melted chocolate.
8. Serving: Cut the brownie into squares or rectangles and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee. It’s a perfect combination!
Practical tips:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start preparing. This will help achieve a smooth texture.
- If you want to add a splash of extra flavor, you can also add a few drops of almond or orange essence to the cream cheese.
- Vary the recipe by adding other types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a different taste.
- If you want a smaller quantity of brownie, you can halve the ingredients without any problems.
Nutritional benefits:
This brownie is not only delicious but also has nutritional benefits. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help improve heart health, and walnuts are an excellent source of healthy fats and protein. Cream cheese adds a boost of calcium, essential for bone health.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
- Yes, but keep in mind that the brownie will be less intense in flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet taste.
2. Can the leftover portions be frozen?
- Absolutely! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. You can enjoy them later after letting them thaw at room temperature.
3. What drink pairs best with this brownie?
- A fragrant coffee or a warm fruit tea are excellent choices that will perfectly complement the sweetness of the brownie.
Now that you have all the necessary information, it's time to embark on this culinary adventure! This brownie with cream cheese and cranberries will bring a smile to anyone who enjoys it. Happy cooking!