Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup sugar (or sugar replacement)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup melted butter or neutral oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup applesauce or Greek yogurt
- 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the cream cheese mixture)
- 1 egg (for the cream cheese mixture)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter or oil, eggs, vanilla, and applesauce or Greek yogurt.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and egg until smooth.
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool briefly, then chill for cleaner cuts before slicing.
Notes
Chilling the pan briefly before slicing helps achieve clean squares.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian