Decadent Cream Cheese Brownies

Ingredients

• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons (1 tsp for brownie mix, 1 tsp for cream cheese layer))
• Eggs (3 (2 for brownie mix, 1 for cream cheese layer))
• Granulated sugar (2 cups (1 cup for brownie mix, 1 cup for cream cheese layer))
• Cream cheese (1 package (8oz), softened)
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
• Cocoa powder (1/3 cup)
• All-purpose flour (1 cup)
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Gradually pour in the melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining 1 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chocolate layer. Top with the remaining chocolate batter and use a knife to swirl it, creating a visually pleasing marbled effect.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. This indicates that the brownies are done - they should be fudgy, not dry.
8. Let the brownies cool completely in the baking pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares and serving. This will ensure clean, sharp edges for each brownie.