Cream Cheese Brownies

Ingredients

• Vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer) (1/2 teaspoon)
• Egg (for cream cheese layer) (1)
• Granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer) (1/4 cup)
• Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon)
• Cocoa powder (2 tablespoons)
• All (purpose flour - 1/2 cup)
• Eggs (2)
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
• Granulated sugar (1 cup)
• Semi (sweet chocolate - 4 ounces, chopped)
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix well.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
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 swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.