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These Kahlua Cream Cheese Brownies are not your average brownies, but they are also super simple to whip up. Chocolate, cream cheese and coffee goodness in these beautiful cheesecake swirled brownies! Take a boxed mix and make it WOW!
It's possible to take a boxed brownie mix and make it OUT OF THIS WORLD. But you don't have to take my word for it--just try these Kahlua Brownies. Seriously, they taste bakery fresh.
Only they started with a box.
Why these Kahlua Brownies are the Best:
- They take boxed brownies and make them WOW. It is easy to whip up a batch of boxed brownies, but doctoring them up a bit can really take them to the next level. And
- Cheesecake combined with brownies! I am a HUGE fan of cream cheese and brownies together. My Dulce De Leche Cheesecake Brownies are another true love of mine. Fudgy brownies were made for a cheesecake swirl.
- Super simple to whip up. Grab what you need for the brownies and stir in some Kahlua and espresso powder when making them. Then beat the cheesecake ingredients and swirl it all together. Sure a bit more involved than your average box mix, but worth the few extra steps.
- A great party treat. If you are throwing a party, these are the perfect dessert to add to the spread. Rich and delicious and no one will know (or care) they aren't entirely from scratch.
If you are a true fan of made from scratch brownies, don't worry, I have you covered with these Dark Chocolate Brownies.
What you will need:
- your favorite brownie mix: pick your favorite, whatever it may be. I am a huge fan of Ghiradelli as well as classic Duncan Hines. Can't go wrong!
- oil: canola or vegetable will work best. Some brownie packages call for ⅔ cup oil, and that is fine to use the ⅔ instead of ½ if desired.
- Kahlua: you can use name brand or your favorite coffee liqueur in these Kahlua brownies. This takes place of the water that the brownie mix calls for.
- espresso powder: This ingredient is not necessary, but I find it adds a richness to any brownie or chocolate baked good.
- cream cheese: I have only used full fat cream cheese, but I imagine low fat will work as well.
- sugar: regular, granulated
- vanilla: extract versus imitation if possible
- egg: for best results, use a room temperature egg, you will need three total, two for the brownies and one for the cheesecake.
How to make these Cheesecake Brownies:
Mix the brownie ingredients. The Kahlua will take the place of the water recommended on the brownie box directions. Pour the brownie batter into a well greased or parchment lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Set aside. (steps 1-3)
Prep the cheesecake layer by beating the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla and beat until the egg is incorporated. For best results and smoothest cream cheese mixture, make sure egg and cream cheese are both room temperature. (steps 4-6)
Dollop the cheesecake layer over top of the brownie mixture and then use a toothpick to swirl it through the brownies. The more you swirl, the less distinct the cheesecake layer will be--totally up to you. (steps 7-8)
Bake according to package instructions. Cool and then enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- I prefer these Kahlua Cheesecake Brownies chilled for several hours so they can really set. If you like your brownies warm, that is fine and you can slightly cool them before eating. Just know the cream cheese layer may not be as set.
- If you are worried about switching things up from the package, you can simply follow the brownie box instructions and sub the Kahlua in for the amount of water called for. You should be just fine!
- You can prep these brownies a day in advance. If you plan to serve them the following day, store them in the refrigerator in an air tight container until ready to serve.
- For the cleanest cut brownies, chill them for about 4 hours or overnight. This will make them much easier to cut through and they shouldn't crumble or fall apart.
- A big dollop of chocolate whipped cream is SO good on these!
Other brownie recipes:
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Kahlua Cream Cheese Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 brownie mix package I use Betty Crocker
- ½ c oil vegetable or canola
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ c Kahlua
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
For Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 8oz. block of cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ c sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix brownie batter package ingredients, eggs, oil, Kahlua and espresso powder. Pour into a well greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer or standing mixer, mix cream cheese, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the egg and vanilla and beat to incorporate.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter and using a toothpick or a knife, swirl it into the brownie mix.
- Place in oven and bake according to package directions. Remove from oven and cool completely before serving. For best results, chill for about 4 hours to set before cutting.
Notes
- If you are worried about switching things up from the package, you can simply follow the brownie box instructions and sub the Kahlua in for the amount of water called for. You should be just fine!
- I prefer these Kahlua Cheesecake Brownies chilled for several hours so they can really set. If you like your brownies warm, that is fine and you can slightly cool them before eating. Just know the cream cheese layer may not be as set.
- You can prep these brownies a day in advance. If you plan to serve them the following day, store them in the refrigerator in an air tight container until ready to serve.
- For the cleanest cut brownies, chill them for about 4 hours or overnight. This will make them much easier to cut through and they shouldn't crumble or fall apart.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published March 2019 and updated September 2021 to add process images and other information.
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Vicki says
These look amazing and I can’t wait to try ! What could/should I substitute for espresso powder? Don’t have that on hand. Thanks!
Lorie says
Hi Vicki! You can skip it if you don’t have it. It just helps bring out the chocolate flavor. You oils add instant coffee powder if you have that. But don’t worry if you omit it!
Krystal says
Sounds really good but How many eggs go into the cream cheese layer?
Lorie says
Just 1!
Helen Selene Esswein says
In the directions, it says to add egg in the cream cheese layer, but in the ingredients it doesn't say anything about egg...
Lorie says
Oh my goodness! Thanks for catching that! Added it to the list. Sorry about that! One large egg is what you will need!