Black cake with cream cheese

Brownie with Cream Cheese – An Unforgettable Delight

Who doesn't love a decadent, moist, and flavorful cake? Brownie with cream cheese is that dessert that perfectly combines intense chocolate with a smooth, creamy filling, offering a delightful culinary experience. This quick and simple dessert is ideal for any occasion, from birthdays to gatherings with friends, and will surely impress everyone! Let me tell you about this wonderful recipe and how to make it step by step.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 55-65 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 25-85 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

*For the brownie:*
- 150 g butter (choose high-quality butter for a richer taste)
- 125 g dark chocolate (with a cocoa content of at least 70% for an intense flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups sugar (preferably white sugar, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a more caramelized taste)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder (dark for added flavor)
- 1/2 cup nuts (chopped; pecans or Brazil nuts are excellent options)

*For the cream cheese filling:*
- 750 g cream cheese (or very creamy cottage cheese; I recommend Dr. Oetker cream cheese for an ideal texture)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for a rich taste)
- 3 large eggs

The story behind the recipe

Brownie is a cake that has won the hearts of many due to its dense and moist texture. It is believed to have originated in the 1890s when a baker forgot to add baking powder to a cake recipe, resulting in a denser, moister dessert. Since then, it has evolved into various versions, but the combination with cream cheese adds a level of refinement and a touch of elegance that makes it irresistible.

Step by step to achieve the perfect brownie

1. Preparing the ingredients
Before you start, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with better homogenization of the mixture. Preheat the oven to 180°C (medium heat) and prepare a springform pan lined with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the cake.

2. Preparing the brownie
In a medium pot, melt the butter together with the dark chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once the mixture is smooth, let it cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and vanilla sugar until the mixture becomes light in color and frothy. Add the chocolate and butter mixture, mixing well.
Incorporate the flour, cocoa powder, and chopped nuts, mixing carefully until homogeneous. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface.

3. Baking the brownie
Bake the brownie base in the oven for about 25 minutes. Do the toothpick test: insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. Remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

4. Preparing the cream cheese filling
In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese with the sugar and vanilla sugar using an electric mixer until creamy and lump-free. Add the heavy cream and mix again until smooth.
Finally, incorporate the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Combining the two layers
Once the brownie base has cooled completely, pour the cream cheese filling evenly over it. Level the surface with a spatula and return the cake to the oven for another 30-40 minutes, until the cream cheese sets and develops a lightly browned crust.

6. Cooling and serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about an hour, then cover it with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator to cool completely, preferably overnight. This step is essential to allow the flavors to develop and blend perfectly.

Serving suggestions and variations

To add a personal touch, you can grate dark chocolate on top of the cake or decorate it with a chocolate or caramel sauce. Additionally, serving it with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream will turn each slice into a true delight. You can also experiment with flavors added to the cream cheese, such as lemon or orange zest, for a refreshing citrus note.

Nutritional benefits

Brownie with cream cheese is not only a delicious dessert but also a source of energy. Dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of heart disease, and nuts provide healthy fats and protein. Of course, it’s best to consume it in moderation, considering its caloric content.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Although the classic recipe uses dark chocolate, you can experiment with white chocolate; the taste will be different, but just as delicious!

2. What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you prefer a lower-calorie alternative, creamy cottage cheese can be used, but make sure it is well drained.

3. How long can the cake be kept?
Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, the cake will remain fresh for 4-5 days.

4. Can it be frozen?
Yes, the brownie can be frozen. Cut it into slices and wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container.

Now that you know how to make this wonderful brownie with cream cheese, don’t hesitate to try it at home! It’s a dessert that brings joy and indulgence, perfect to be enjoyed with loved ones. Bon appétit!