Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies

If you’re a fan of tangy citrus flavors and love a good dessert with a twist, then these Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are exactly what you need. Imagine the perfect marriage of zesty lemon and creamy cheesecake, all wrapped up in a dense, fudgy brownie that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. This recipe takes the classic notion of brownies and gives it a refreshing lemon spin, creating a dessert that’s both unique and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful treat that will captivate your senses. Their bright lemon flavor is perfectly balanced with the rich and creamy cheesecake swirls. Made with white chocolate and fresh lemon zest, these brownies are the ultimate in moist, chewy goodness. If you’re a lemon lover, these brownies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 8 x 8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Microwave-safe bowl
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Toothpick or thin knife for swirling
• Sharp knife for cutting

Ingredients

Lemon Brownie:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz white chocolate, finely chopped (or white chocolate chips)
• ¾ cup sugar
• Grated zest from 2 large lemons
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8 x 8 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the white chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until melted.
3. Let cool for 5 minutes, then whisk in the sugar. Add the eggs, lemon zest, salt, and lemon extract, whisking until evenly combined.
4. Fold in the flour, reserving ½ cup of the mixture for the topping. Spread the remaining mixture in the prepared pan.
5. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Mix in the egg just until combined. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the lemon mixture and gently smooth the top.
6. Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick or thin knife to swirl the batter.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few damp crumbs.
8. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling process helps the brownies set and enhances their flavor.
9. When ready to serve, remove from the fridge and lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps achieve the perfect fudgy texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor impact.

Additional Tips or Variations

For a more intense lemon flavor, consider adding a bit more lemon zest or a dash of lemon juice. You can also try adding some chopped nuts or a drizzle of white chocolate on top for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

While exact values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used, these brownies are a source of vitamin C from the lemons and offer a delightful mix of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates from the cream cheese and white chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use regular chocolate instead of white chocolate?

A: White chocolate complements the lemon flavor best, but you can experiment with regular chocolate if you prefer a different taste profile.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: Can these brownies be frozen?

A: Yes, you can freeze these brownies. Wrap them tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

These Lemon Cream Cheese Brownies are a must-try for anyone who enjoys a unique twist on traditional desserts. Their bright, zesty flavor combined with the richness of cream cheese creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out for you. We’d love to hear your feedback and any creative variations you come up with!