Get ready to elevate your dessert game with the most decadent and irresistible Bourbon Cream Cheese Brownies that will make your taste buds dance with pure indulgence! Imagine a rich, fudgy chocolate base infused with a bold bourbon kick, swirled with creamy cream cheese that creates a marbled masterpiece of pure dessert heaven. These aren't just ordinary brownies - they're a sophisticated, adult-friendly treat that combines the comfort of classic brownies with a grown-up twist that will have everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 16 brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with butter or line with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter completely. Add both white and brown sugars, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract and bourbon, mixing until the mixture is uniform and slightly glossy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.
- In another bowl, soften the cream cheese at room temperature. Beat until smooth and creamy.
- Pour two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife to create swirl patterns, gently dragging the cream cheese through the chocolate batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. This allows the brownies to set and makes cutting easier.
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out using the parchment paper edges. Cut into 16 equal squares.
- For best flavor, let the brownies rest for a few hours or overnight. This allows the bourbon and cream cheese flavors to meld together.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and consistent texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense brownies. Mix until ingredients are just combined.
- For the most intense flavor, use a high-quality bourbon that you would enjoy drinking.
- Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to create smooth swirls.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to get clean, precise squares.
- For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled brownies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For the best flavor development, let the brownies rest for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 110mg