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+ servings
Closeup of hazelnut cream cheese brownies on plate

Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies

Yield: 16 squares
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 33 minutes
Total Time: 58 minutes
Rich brownies are packed with hazelnuts and swirled with a sweet cream cheese filling. So good!

Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped hazelnuts

For the brownies:

  • 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts

Instructions
 

To make the filling:

  • In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating until well-blended. Stir in the hazelnuts.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate while you make the brownies.

To make the brownies:

  • Grease and flour a 9-inch square baking pan. Set aside.
  • Melt the chocolate and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Remove from heat to cool.
  • Combine the flour and salt. Set aside.
  • Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Add the cooled chocolate mixture, and beat until well-combined.
  • Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing just until combined. Stir in the hazelnuts.
  • Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, just covering the bottom. Spread the chilled filling over the brownie batter. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°F).
  • Spread the remaining brownie batter on top of the filling. (Warning: This is far easier said than done. Take your time!) Swirl the layers by inserting a butter knife into the pan and lifting straight up. Repeat in a pattern or randomly over the surface of brownies.
  • Bake 30-33 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean or with dry crumbs. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cut the brownies just before serving.

Notes

  • Brownies should be covered and stored in the refrigerator.
  • Recipe adapted from Fat Witch Brownies.
Course: brownies
Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, cream cheese brownies, marble brownies
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