Brownies with cream cheese frosting (vegetarian) is a total game-changer. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese cuts through the richness of the cakey chocolate brownie, giving you a more balanced (yet totally decadent) dessert. Plus, the cocoa in the frosting ties everything together. So easy to make!
creamy, chocolatey, and the ultimate dessert 👊🏽
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These chocolate brownies with cream cheese frosting are dreamy and lighter, more like a chocolate cake, with a fluffy texture and a slightly gooey center. This is a brownie that you need to whip up ASAP.
Topped with a luscious, silky cream cheese frosting, these brownies take "frosted brownies" to a whole new level.
Oh, and did I mention they’re vegetarian? Double win! They have been adapted from my Biscoff Brownie recipe.
🍫 BROWNIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
I love frosting that incorporates cream cheese. It balances the sweetness perfectly.
My frosted banana and carrot cake muffins are so delicious that I couldn't wait to frost these chocolate brownies.
I have my fair share of brownie recipes on the blog... strawberry brownies and chocolate egg brownies, and now these frosted brownies are perfect for any occasion.
—whether you’re hosting a dinner party, need a treat for a potluck, or just want to treat yourself (because you deserve it!).
❤️ WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS
Rich & Cakey The brownie base is super chocolatey and cakey with just the right balance of sweetness. They have a slight gooey texture in the center.
Cream Cheese Frosting for Brownies: The creamy tang from the cream cheese frosting is a perfect complement to the deep chocolate flavor.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, quick prep, and no fancy equipment needed!
🥄 INGREDIENTS NEEDED AND SUBSTITUTIONS
FOR THE BROWNIES
BUTTER: Unsalted butter
COCOA POWDER: Unsweetened cocoa powder
SUGAR: White granulated sugar
EGGS
VANILLA EXTRACT: Adds more flavor.
ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: Plain flour
BAKING POWDER: Helps the brownies rise a little.
FROSTING FOR BROWNIES
UNSALTED BUTTER
SMOOTH CREAM CHEESE: Soft
VANILLA EXTRACT
SALT
POWDERED SUGAR: Also known as icing sugar or confectioners sugar.
COCOA POWDER: Unsweetened
WHAT SIZE PAN CAN I USE?
11 x 7-inch square baking pan (18 x 28cm square baking pan)
An 11 x 7-inch square baking pan is ideal for this recipe. If you prefer to use a different size, a 9x9-inch pan works too.
Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly and keep an eye on the brownies—you want the center to stay a little underdone for that perfect fudgy texture.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Note: Please scroll to the full printable recipe card at the bottom for ingredient quantities and the method.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 11 x 7-inch (18 x 28cm) square baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat. (picture 1)
Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and fully combined. (picture 2)
Add the granulated sugar, stirring well to combine. (picture 3)
Mix in the vanilla essence and then beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and glossy. (picture 4 and 5)
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Avoid overmixing. (picture 6 and 7)
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. (picture 8)
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
👩🏼🍳 FROSTING FOR BROWNIES
While your brownies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the frosting.
In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well.
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed to avoid sugar clouds everywhere (trust me on this!).
Once everything is incorporated, increase the speed and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once your brownies have cooled completely, generously slather on that creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting. You can go thick or thin depending on how indulgent you’re feeling!
💫 If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
📝 TIPS AND TRICKS
Don’t overbake: For that fudgy texture, pull the brownies out when they’re just set in the middle.
Cool completely before frosting: This is super important—adding frosting to warm brownies will make them melt into a messy (but still tasty) situation.
Customizable Toppings: Want to take it even further? Sprinkle some crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel over the frosting!
❓FAQS
Yes, cream cheese frosting is typically thicker and fluffier, ideal for spreading or piping, while cream cheese icing is thinner and more glaze-like, often used for drizzling. Both use similar ingredients but differ in consistency.
Butter is added to cream cheese icing to create a smoother, creamier texture and to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese. It also helps the icing hold its shape better, making it ideal for spreading or piping.
It depends on personal preference! Gooey brownies are dense, fudgy, and rich, with a moist center, often achieved by using more butter and less flour. Cakey brownies are lighter, more like a chocolate cake, with a fluffy texture, typically from using more flour and a leavening agent like baking powder. These brownies are cakey brownies with a slightly gooey center.
Brownie batter should generally be thick, but still pourable. A thicker batter usually results in fudgier, denser brownies. If the batter is too runny, it may lead to a more cake-like texture. The ideal consistency is somewhere in between—not too stiff but not overly liquid either.
MAKE-AHEAD
Good news! These chocolate brownies with cream cheese frosting are perfect for making ahead! Whether you’re prepping for a special event or just like having dessert ready to go, these brownies hold up beautifully when made in advance. Wrap the uncut brownies tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Frost the brownies before serving.
STORAGE
Store your frosted brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before enjoying, so the frosting softens a bit.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know what you think by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating & comment below. It genuinely helps me & I really appreciate your support! Nikki 💚
Print
BROWNIES WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
- Total Time: 15 min Prep Time + 30 min Cook Time = 45 min Total Time
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brownies with cream cheese frosting (vegetarian) is a total game-changer. The slight tanginess of the cream cheese cuts through the richness of the cakey chocolate brownie, giving you a more balanced (yet totally decadent) dessert. Plus, the cocoa in the frosting ties everything together. So easy to make!
Ingredients
FOR THE BROWNIES
250 g butter
½ cup cocoa powder
1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
4 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
FOR THE CREAM CHEESE BROWNIE ICING
57 g butter (½ stick)
4 oz cream cheese, softened (113 g)
1 teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup cocoa powder
Instructions
HOW TO MAKE THE BROWNIES
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 11 x 7-inch (18 x 28cm) square pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat.
3. Stir in the cocoa powder until smooth and fully combined.
4. Add the granulated sugar, stirring well to combine.
5. Mix in the vanilla essence and then beat in the eggs, one at a time, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and baking powder until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.
FROSTING FOR BROWNIES
1. While your brownies are cooling, it’s time to whip up the frosting that’s going to take them over the top.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing well.
4. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating on low speed to avoid sugar clouds everywhere (trust me on this!).
5. Once everything is incorporated, increase the speed and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy.
6. Once your brownies have cooled completely, generously slather on that creamy chocolate cream cheese frosting. You can go thick or thin depending on how indulgent you’re feeling!
7. If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star review and rating!
Notes
Don’t overbake: For that fudgy texture, pull the brownies out when they’re just set in the middle.
Cool completely before frosting: This is super important—adding frosting to warm brownies will make them melt into a messy (but still tasty) situation.
Customizable Toppings: Want to take it even further? Sprinkle some crushed nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of caramel over the frosting!
- Category: Baking, Desserts, Cakes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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