As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, my thoughts drift towards cozy evenings, crackling fires (okay, maybe just a fireplace screensaver), and the comforting aroma of gingerbread. It’s a scent that instantly transports me back to childhood holiday memories, filled with warmth and joy. Remember those gingerbread houses we attempted to build? Total disasters, but hey, we had fun!
This recipe for Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl combines the fudgy goodness of brownies with the spicy warmth of gingerbread. Topped with a tangy cream cheese swirl, these brownies are not only delicious but also visually stunning. They're easy to make, too, which is a huge plus in my book. Life's too short for complicated desserts, right?
I first made these brownies last year when a friend of mine was going through a tough time. Baking is my love language, so I whipped up a batch hoping to bring a little comfort. The look on her face when she took that first bite? Priceless. That's when I knew this recipe was a keeper. They're like a warm hug on a plate. Or is that just me?
Required Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking pan (9x13 inch)
- Parchment paper
- Spatula
- Toothpick or skewer
Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl: Frequently Asked Questions
Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl
Indulge in fudgy Gingerbread Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl, blending rich chocolate with warm spices and a tangy swirl. This easy recipe is perfect for holiday baking or any cozy occasion.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 16 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, or line with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes for easy brownie removal later. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and almost caramel-like.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure everything is properly combined and there aren't streaks of egg yolk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, baking powder, and salt. These are the flavors that make it gingerbread!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. The batter will be thick.
- For the Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and egg yolk until smooth and creamy. Add a tiny dash of vanilla if you want, can't hurt.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Don't be shy! Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter. Create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Be very careful to not overbake. Start checking at 25 minutes
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. Patience is key here. Resist the urge to cut into them while they're warm, unless you enjoy messy brownies.
- Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang (if you used it) and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares and serve. I like to dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch.
📝 Notes
- For a richer flavor, use dark cocoa powder.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture.
- Dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Calcium: 30mg
