This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
If you love the combination of rich chocolate brownies and creamy cheesecake, these Cream Cheese Swirled Brownies are sure to become a favorite! Made with a convenient boxed brownie mix and a simple cream cheese filling, these pretty marbled brownies are an easy way to turn an everyday baking mix into a delicious, bakery-worthy treat.
Perfect for sharing with family and friends, they are a sweet chocolatey indulgence without a lot of extra fuss.
It’s amazing how the simple addition of a cream cheese swirl raises the standard box of chocolate brownie mix into something extra special.
If you have never attempted to make cream cheese swirl brownies, this is the perfect recipe to try. Don’t be intimidated by the whole swirling thing—the swirls are easy to create with the tip of a kitchen knife.
Ingredients
- 1 package (18 – 19.5 ounces) brownie mix (I like Ghirardelli’s Triple Chocolate Brownie Mix)
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
How to Make Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Step 1: Gather and prepare all ingredients.
Step 2: Position one of your oven racks in the lower third of your oven and preheat your oven to 350 F degrees. Spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan or foil lined pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3: In a medium-size mixing bowl mix the brownie mix, oil, water and 2 of the eggs with a wooden spoon (affiliate link) until all the dry ingredients are moistened and the mixture is blended. Remove 1/2 cup of batter from the bowl and set it aside. Scrape the remaining batter into your prepared baking pan.
Step 4: In another medium-size bowl beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer (affiliate link) set on medium speed until smooth.Beat in the remaining one egg, sugar, flour and vanilla until creamy and well blended.
Step 5: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pan of brownie batter. Spoon the remaining chocolate brownie batter over the spoonfuls of cream cheese batter. Swirl the batters with the tip of a knife creating a marbled design.
Step 6: Bake the brownies for 28 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the brownie 2 inches from the side of the pan comes out clean or with only a few crumbs clinging. Be careful not to overbake.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Cut into 24 brownies. Or for an extra special treat, cut them with a heart-shaped cookie or brownie cutter.
Step 9: Store brownies covered in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
This recipe calls for a 18 to 19.8 ounce package of brownie mix. Be sure to choose a plain brownie mix—not one with add-ins such as chocolate syrup, nuts, or caramels.
For easy cleanup line your baking pan with foil that extends beyond the pan’s edges on at least two sides. This creates “handles” that allow you to remove the brownies from the pan in a slab so you can cut them more evenly too.
It’s easy to do. Just place your pan upside down on your counter.
Shape a piece of foil that is longer than the pan over the pan then carefully remove it and set it aside. Flip the pan over and place the foil liner inside the pan.
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each of these cream cheese brownies has just 169 calories.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
5 PointsPlus (Old plan)
If you have made these Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Cream Cheese Swirl Brownies
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 package (18 – 19.5 ounces) brownie mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 large eggs
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Position one of your oven racks in the lower third of your oven and preheat your oven to 350F degrees. Spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan or foil lined pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium-size mixing bowl mix the brownie mix, oil, water and 2 of the eggs with a wooden spoon (affiliate link) until all the dry ingredients are moistened and the mixture is blended. Remove 1/2 cup of batter from the bowl and set aside. Scrape the remaining batter into your prepared baking pan.
- In another medium-size bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer (affiliate link) set on medium speed until smooth. Beat in the remaining one egg, sugar, flour and vanilla until creamy and well blended.
- Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pan of brownie batter. Spoon the remaining chocolate brownie batter over the spoonfuls of cream cheese batter. Swirl the batters with the tip of a knife creating a marbled design.
- Bake the brownies for 28 – 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the brownie about 2 inches from the side of the pan, comes out clean or with only a few crumbs clinging. Be careful not to overbake.
- Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Cut into 24 brownies or for an extra special occasion, use a fancy heart-shaped cookie or brownie cutter.
- Store brownies covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 5 PointsPlus (Old plan) This recipe calls for a 18 to 19.8 ounce package of brownie mix. Be sure to choose a plain brownie mix—not one with add-ins such as chocolate syrup, nuts, or caramels. For easy cleanup line your baking pan with foil that extends beyond the pan’s edges on at least two sides. This creates “handles” that allow you to remove the brownies from the pan in a slab so you can cut them more evenly too. It’s easy to do. Just place your pan upside down on your counter. Shape a piece of foil that is longer than the pan over the pan then carefully remove it and set it aside. Flip the pan over and place the foil liner inside the pan.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Source: Brownie Mix Bliss by Camilla V. Saulsbury
More Easy Cookie and Brownie Recipes
Black Bean Brownies
Low in fat, rich and fudgy, these black bean brownies are as quick and easy to make as they are delicious!
Brownie Mix Slow Cooker Brownies
I made these deliciously rich and chocolatey brownies according to the package directions—using oil, water and an egg and decided to cook them in my crock pot. A family favorite!
Banana Bread Brownies
Can’t decide between making a banana bread or pan of chocolate brownies? This unique dessert takes the best from both worlds!
Has anyone made these in a brownie pan that makes individual squares?
My Ghirardelli Brownie Mix calls for 1/3 cup of water, 1/3 cup oil & 1 egg. Should I use the ingredients they recommend or yours above? I have made these brownies many times and they are moist and delicious but have never made them with a cream cheese topping.
HI Gail, I would use the ingredients as suggested on your box and use the ingredients I suggest to make the cream cheese topping swirl. Hope this helps. ~Martha
How many smart points are the brownies
I’ve been looking for a recipe for easy cream cheese brownies. I’ll make these soon!