Banana Cream Cheese Brownies
Highlighted under: Indulgent Dessert Recipes
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate brownies infused with creamy banana and a luscious cream cheese swirl. These Banana Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion!
These Banana Cream Cheese Brownies combine the best of both worlds—decadent chocolate and the sweet, comforting flavor of bananas. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy banana goodness
- Creamy cream cheese swirl adds a delightful tang
- Perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a personal treat
The Perfect Fusion of Flavors
Banana Cream Cheese Brownies offer a unique blend of flavors that tantalize your taste buds. The rich chocolate brownie base provides a decadent foundation, while the creamy banana adds a natural sweetness and moisture that elevates each bite. This combination creates a dessert that is both indulgent and comforting, making it a hit for any chocolate lover or banana enthusiast.
The addition of a cream cheese swirl introduces a delightful tang that balances the sweetness of the brownies. This creamy layer not only enhances the overall flavor profile but also adds an appealing aesthetic to the dessert. Swirling the cream cheese into the brownie batter creates beautiful marbled patterns, making these brownies as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a personal treat, Banana Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect choice. Their rich texture and delightful flavors make them a crowd-pleaser at parties and family events. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream for an extra special dessert or enjoy them on their own as a satisfying snack.
These brownies are also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make them your own. With their combination of flavors and textures, these brownies are sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
To achieve the best results with your Banana Cream Cheese Brownies, make sure to use ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your brownies will be. Additionally, be careful not to overmix the brownie batter; mixing until just combined ensures a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
When it comes to baking, always keep an eye on the time. Ovens can vary in temperature, so check the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs for perfectly baked brownies. Let them cool completely before cutting for cleaner edges and an overall neater presentation.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
Make the Brownie Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until well blended. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Layer the Mixtures
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then dollop the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the mixtures together gently.
Bake the Brownies
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Banana Cream Cheese Brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. The cool creaminess complements the rich chocolate and banana flavors, creating a harmonious balance. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top for an extra touch of decadence.
For a fun twist, consider serving these brownies with fresh fruit. Slices of strawberries or a handful of blueberries can add a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the brownies. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a refreshing element that cuts through the sweetness.
Storage Tips
To keep your Banana Cream Cheese Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
If you have leftovers or want to make a batch ahead of time, these brownies freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy the deliciousness without any loss of flavor or texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ripe bananas?
Yes, ripe bananas work perfectly and add more flavor!
→ How should I store the brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for a week.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
→ What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can use mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if desired.
Banana Cream Cheese Brownies
Indulge in the delightful combination of rich chocolate brownies infused with creamy banana and a luscious cream cheese swirl. These Banana Cream Cheese Brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion!
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Indulgent Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 12 brownies
What You'll Need
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until well blended. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until just combined. Finally, fold in the mashed banana.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then dollop the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife to swirl the mixtures together gently.
Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool before cutting into squares.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g