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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed brown sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 teaspoons ground ginger - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract If you run out of an ingredient, don't worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Unsalted butter: Use coconut oil or margarine. - Granulated sugar: You can use brown sugar or coconut sugar instead. - All-purpose flour: Substitute with gluten-free flour or almond flour. - Cream cheese: Greek yogurt or silken tofu works well too. These options keep your brownies tasty while fitting your needs. To make these delicious brownies, you need a few tools: - 9x13 inch baking pan - Parchment paper - Large mixing bowl - Medium mixing bowl - Whisk or electric mixer - Rubber spatula - Butter knife or skewer for swirling With these ingredients and tools ready, you are all set to bake your festive delight! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need butter, sugars, eggs, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and spices. For the cheesecake layer, gather cream cheese, powdered sugar, and more eggs. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal. First, mix the melted butter with granulated and brown sugars in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Next, add four eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and spices. Whisk until well blended. Now, slowly fold the dry mix into the wet mix. Do this gently to avoid overmixing. In another bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, one egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread half of the brownie mix into the lined pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture over it, then add the rest of the brownie mix on top. Use a butter knife to create swirls. Bake for 35-40 minutes. To check, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, take the brownies from the oven. Let them cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. After that, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, slice them into squares and serve. Enjoy the rich flavors of gingerbread and cheesecake! To make the best gingerbread cheesecake swirl brownies, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps them mix better. When you whisk the butter and sugars, mix until smooth. This creates a great base for your brownies. Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies. When adding the cream cheese layer, use a spoon to drop it on top of the brownie batter. This makes swirling easier and prettier. For the best swirl, use a knife or skewer to gently mix. Don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose the marbled look. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. This can affect how the brownies bake. Make sure your oven is at 350°F (175°C) before putting them in. Another mistake is not letting the brownies cool enough before slicing. If you cut too soon, they may crumble. Also, avoid using cold cream cheese. It won’t mix well and can create lumps. Make sure to soften it first. Finally, don’t skip the parchment paper. It helps with easy removal and keeps the brownies from sticking. For a stunning look, cut the brownies into neat squares. Place them on a decorative plate. You can sprinkle some extra ground cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for a festive touch. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added flavor and creaminess. Pair these brownies with hot cocoa or a warm cup of tea. The spices in the brownies work nicely with these drinks. If you want to impress guests, consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This creates a delicious contrast with the warm brownies. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better incorporation. Don't Overmix: Mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined to keep the brownies fudgy and tender. Check for Doneness: A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs; avoid overbaking for the best texture. Cool Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to achieve clean slices and prevent crumbling. {{image_2}} You can change the spices in your brownies for new flavors. Try adding allspice or cardamom to your brownie mix. These spices add warmth and depth to the gingerbread taste. If you want a kick, add some cayenne pepper. A small amount can add a fun heat. Mix and match spices to find your favorite blend. You can switch up the cream cheese layer too. Try using flavored cream cheeses, like pumpkin or vanilla. These flavors can give your brownies a fun twist. You might also add a bit of lemon juice or zest for a tangy taste. This can balance the sweet brownie base. Experiment with different combinations to discover what you love! If you need gluten-free brownies, swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free flour. Make sure to use a blend that works well for baking. For dairy-free options, use almond or coconut cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can also substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. These changes let everyone enjoy this treat! To keep your gingerbread cheesecake swirl brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Layer parchment paper between the brownies to prevent sticking. Place the container in a cool, dry place. If you want them to stay fresh longer, refrigerate them. They will last up to a week in the fridge. If you want to enjoy your brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them. Heat each brownie for about 15-20 seconds. This will make the cream cheese swirl nice and creamy again. To freeze your brownies, first let them cool completely. Wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as needed. Yes, you can make these brownies a day or two ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh and tasty. The flavors even get better over time. If you want to serve them warm, just reheat them slightly before serving. To get a great cheesecake swirl, don't overmix the batter. After layering the brownie batter and cream cheese, use a knife or skewer. Gently swirl it in a figure-eight motion. This creates a nice marbled look. Be careful not to blend them too much, or you’ll lose the beautiful swirl. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try cottage cheese or Greek yogurt. Blend them until smooth. You can also use mascarpone cheese for a richer flavor. Each option gives a different taste, but they all work well in this recipe. This blog post covered all you need for great brownies. We discussed ingredients, substitutions, and the equipment needed. I shared step-by-step baking instructions to help you succeed. You learned key tips, common mistakes, and how to present your treats. Variations added spice to your choices, and storage info will keep them fresh longer. Remember, practice makes perfect. Enjoy making these brownies and share them with others!

Gingerbread Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Deliciously spiced brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
  • Add in the 4 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly mixed.
  • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top, then add the remaining brownie batter on top.
  • Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the batter and cream cheese together gently, creating a marbled effect.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper.
  • Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing into squares.

Notes

Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing for best results.
Keyword brownies, cheesecake, gingerbread