Black cake with cream cheese

Brownie with Cream Cheese: A Decadent Delight

Looking for a dessert that combines the intensity of chocolate with the delicacy of a fine cream? Then, brownie with cream cheese is the perfect choice for you! Inspired by the famous David Lebovitz's recipe, this recipe has been lovingly adapted to suit available ingredients and personal tastes. It is the ideal dessert for any occasion, from a quiet evening at home to a party with friends or a family gathering.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients for the brownie:
- 85 grams of butter at room temperature
- 130 grams of dark chocolate (recommended Milka, but you can also opt for a high-quality chocolate with at least 70% cocoa)
- 130 grams of sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 70 grams of flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa
- a pinch of salt
- vanilla extract

Ingredients for the cream cheese:
- 200 grams of cream cheese (make sure it's well softened at room temperature)
- 1 egg
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- a pinch of salt
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Prepare your ingredients: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature. This is essential for achieving a homogeneous mixture. Start by measuring each ingredient.

2. Melting the chocolate and butter: In a medium-sized bowl, add the chocolate and butter. Heat them over low heat, stirring continuously to prevent the chocolate from burning. Once the mixture is completely homogenized and smooth, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Turning off the heat and letting the mixture cool slightly is crucial to avoid cooking the eggs when you add them.

3. Adding the eggs: When the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. It is important to mix vigorously to achieve a velvety texture.

4. The dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cocoa, and nuts (if you choose to use them). Mix the dry ingredients well to homogenize them, then gradually incorporate them into the chocolate mixture, stirring with a spatula. Make sure there are no lumps left.

5. Preparing the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, mix the cream cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference.

6. Assembling the brownie: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the brownie mixture into the tray and level it evenly. Then, using a spoon or knife, add the cream cheese on top, creating patterns on the surface of the brownie.

7. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. It is important to check if the brownie is baked using a toothpick: it should come out clean from the center of the cake. If the toothpick is wet, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.

8. Cooling and serving: After baking, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut the brownie into squares and serve it plain or with a scoop of sour cream or ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Practical tips:
- You can also add some chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie mixture for an extra texture.
- If you want a less sweet version, use bitter chocolate and reduce the amount of sugar in the cream.
- The brownie keeps well in the fridge, but it is best served at room temperature.

Nutritional benefits:
This brownie with cream cheese is not only a delicious dessert but also a good source of antioxidants due to the chocolate. The cream cheese adds a note of protein, and the nuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (if you choose to include them).

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use another type of cheese? Yes, you can try ricotta or mascarpone, but make sure to homogenize them well to avoid lumps.
- What can I replace in the recipe? If you are vegetarian, you can omit the egg from the cream cheese, but the taste and texture will be different.

Ideal combinations:
Brownie with cream cheese pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a caramel sauce. A warm drink, such as an espresso or cappuccino, perfectly completes this sweet experience.

Savor every bite of this delectable brownie with cream cheese, a dessert that will surely become a favorite among your loved ones! Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 85 grams of butter at room temperature, 100 grams of dark chocolate (I chose Milka), 130 grams of sugar, 2 large eggs, 70 grams of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 tablespoon of cocoa, a few nuts, a pinch of salt, vanilla essence. For the cream cheese: 200 grams of cream cheese, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons of sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 packet of vanilla sugar.