If you’re on the lookout for a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a refreshing hint of mint, look no further than Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies. These brownies are the perfect balance of fudgy chocolate and creamy mint, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these brownies are sure to impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies are not just your average brownies. The combination of a rich chocolate base with a luscious mint cream cheese swirl elevates them to a whole new level. Each bite is a medley of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for another piece. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make, making them a great option for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
What Goes Into Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies
To whip up these delightful brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that delightful fudgy texture.
- 1-1/2 cups picked mint leaves: Fresh mint gives the brownies a refreshing flavor. Make sure to pat them dry before use.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy texture for the mint swirl.
- 1 large egg: This binds the cream cheese mixture together.
- 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: A little bit of flour helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness to the brownie base.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: This helps keep the brownies moist.
- 6 ounces dark chocolate: Use chocolate that is at least 60% cocoa for a deep, rich flavor.
- 3 large eggs: The eggs are key to achieving a fudgy brownie texture.
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and moisture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: This enhances the sweetness of the brownies.
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: This creates the structure of the brownies.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a hint of warmth to the brownies.
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt: A touch of salt enhances all the flavors.
Recommended Tools
To make your baking experience seamless, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the brownie batter and cream cheese swirl.
- Spatula: For folding in ingredients and spreading the brownie batter.
- Baking pan (9×13): Perfect size for baking these brownies.
- Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal of brownies from the pan.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: For melting the chocolate.
How to Prepare Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your brownies bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later. Lightly grease the paper to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Mint Cream Cheese Swirl
In a mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, 1 large egg, 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Using a whisk, mix until smooth and creamy. Add the picked mint leaves and gently fold them in. Set aside.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the 6 ounces of dark chocolate along with 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir until smooth and allow it to cool slightly.
Step 5: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until frothy. Add the melted chocolate mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift together the 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Assemble the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the mint cream cheese mixture over the batter, then dollop the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the two mixtures together gently.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!
Variations for Dietary Needs
If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider these variations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and replace butter with coconut oil.
- Vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free chocolate.
- Lower Sugar: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar by half.
Things That Go Wrong
Baking can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
- Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to tough brownies instead of fudgy ones.
- Not Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold cream cheese and eggs can result in a lumpy batter.
- Not Baking Long Enough: If you underbake, the brownies will be gooey in the center. Ensure a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Skipping the Parchment Paper: This can make it difficult to remove the brownies from the pan.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
To ensure your Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies stay fresh and delicious:
- Cooling: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Rewarming: For a warm treat, microwave individual pieces for about 10-15 seconds.
Handy Q&A
Can I use other herbs instead of mint?
Absolutely! Basil or rosemary can provide a unique twist, but be sure to adjust the amount to taste as these herbs can be stronger than mint.
What if I don’t have dark chocolate?
You can substitute with semi-sweet chocolate, but the flavor will be slightly sweeter and less intense.
Can I freeze the brownies?
Yes! Once cooled, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Quick Weeknight Wins
If you’re looking for other quick and delicious dessert ideas, check out these recipes:
Make It Tonight
There’s no time like the present to indulge in a batch of these Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress in no time. Grab your mixing bowls and start baking—your taste buds will thank you!
These Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies are not just a treat; they are an experience. The combination of flavors is sure to leave you craving more. Enjoy your baking journey and savor every delicious bite!
Swirled Mint Cream Cheese Brownies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking pan (9x13)
- Parchment Paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1-1/2 cups picked mint leaves fresh, patted dry
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 1 large egg for cream cheese mixture
- 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for cream cheese mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 6 ounces dark chocolate at least 60% cocoa
- 3 large eggs for brownie batter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for brownie batter
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine room temperature cream cheese, 1 large egg, 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the picked mint leaves. Set aside.
- Using a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt 6 ounces dark chocolate and 1/2 cup unsalted butter. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until frothy. Add melted chocolate mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; mix until combined.
- Sift together 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Gradually fold into the chocolate mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Spoon the mint cream cheese mixture over it, then dollop remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl together.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow brownies to cool in pan for at least 15 minutes. Lift out using parchment paper overhang, transfer to wire rack to cool completely, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh mint leaves and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture in the cream cheese swirl.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter to keep brownies fudgy and tender.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- Try variations like gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan substitutions to suit dietary needs.
- Rewarm individual brownie pieces in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
