Kit Kat Cream Cheese Brownies are a decadent dessert that combines two of the best treats: fudgy, chocolatey brownies and the crunch of Kit Kat bars with a smooth, tangy cream cheese swirl. This recipe is a fun twist on traditional brownies, elevating them with the addition of creamy cheese and the beloved crunchy chocolate bars. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or indulge in something sweet after dinner, these brownies will definitely hit the spot.
The rich, dense chocolate brownie base is complemented by a light and creamy cream cheese mixture, which creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The Kit Kat bars provide a delightful crunch and burst of chocolate that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. With every bite, you’ll get the satisfying sweetness of chocolate and cream cheese, along with the irresistible crunch of the Kit Kat.
Perfect for chocolate lovers, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Get ready for a delicious combination of creamy, crunchy, and rich flavors!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Irresistible Chocolate and Cream Cheese Combo
The combination of fudgy brownies and tangy cream cheese creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to resist.
2. Crunchy Kit Kat Bars
The addition of chopped Kit Kat bars adds an irresistible crunch and extra sweetness, taking these brownies to the next level.
3. Decadent and Creamy
The cream cheese swirl gives these brownies a rich and creamy texture, making every bite indulgent and satisfying.
4. Quick and Easy
This recipe is simple to follow and can be made in under an hour, perfect for when you need a dessert that’s both delicious and quick to prepare.
5. Perfect for Sharing
With a fun twist on traditional brownies, these treats are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or sharing with friends.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter:
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Cream cheese
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- Kit Kat bars (chopped into pieces)
Variations
- Use Different Candy Bars: Swap out the Kit Kat bars for other candy bars, such as Snickers, Milky Way, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, to give these brownies a unique twist.
- Add Nuts: For a crunchier texture, try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the brownie batter.
- Use White Chocolate: You can replace the regular cocoa powder with white chocolate chips for a lighter, sweeter version of these brownies.
- Make It Gluten-Free: To make these brownies gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
- Add a Topping: Top the brownies with a drizzle of caramel sauce, extra chocolate chips, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave or over low heat on the stovetop. Once melted, stir in the sugar and mix until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Next, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect. Sprinkle the chopped Kit Kat bars on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Bake the Brownies
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the brownies should remain soft and fudgy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing them into squares. Serve as a delicious treat for yourself, family, or guests!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the brownie batter, be sure to mix just until combined to avoid dense or tough brownies.
- Chop the Kit Kat Bars Evenly: To ensure each bite has the perfect amount of crunch, chop the Kit Kat bars into even pieces.
- Watch for Doneness: Start checking the brownies at the 30-minute mark by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out with wet batter, give them a few more minutes to bake.
- Add Extra Toppings: For an even more decadent treat, top the brownies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of hot fudge.
How to Serve
Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an indulgent dessert. They’re also delicious on their own or with a cup of coffee or milk for a sweet treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Kit Kat Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week if you prefer them chilled.
Freezing
These brownies freeze well. To freeze, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat individual brownies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until warm and gooey. You can also reheat a batch in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use other candy bars besides Kit Kat?
Yes, you can substitute Kit Kat bars with other candy bars such as Snickers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or even crushed Oreos.
2. Can I use a different type of chocolate for the brownies?
You can use milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips in place of the cocoa powder for a different flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
While cream cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor, you can try substituting it with sour cream for a similar texture and taste.
4. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container.
5. How can I make these brownies extra fudgy?
To make the brownies more fudgy, reduce the baking time slightly or use a bit more butter in the batter.
6. Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze the brownies. Just make sure they are fully cooled before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container.
7. Can I use a different nut or add-ins?
Yes, feel free to add nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the brownie batter for extra crunch.
8. Do I need to refrigerate these brownies?
You don’t need to refrigerate these brownies, but you can store them in the fridge if you prefer a firmer texture.
9. Can I add more Kit Kat bars?
Absolutely! If you love Kit Kat, feel free to add more chopped bars to the brownies for extra crunch and flavor.
10. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of these brownies.
Conclusion
Kit Kat Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful, indulgent dessert that brings together the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownies, creamy cheese, and crunchy Kit Kat bars. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself to something sweet, these brownies are sure to be a hit. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they offer the ultimate dessert experience for candy and brownie lovers alike. Enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintKit Kat Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Kit Kat Cream Cheese Brownies are a delicious twist on the classic brownie. A fudgy chocolate brownie base is topped with a creamy cream cheese layer and chunks of crunchy Kit Kat bars, creating the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and crunchy. These brownies are sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup Kit Kat bars, chopped (about 6 full-size bars)
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Brownie Layer:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped Kit Kat bars.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until combined.
- Assemble the Brownies:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in dollops, then gently swirl it with a knife or skewer to create a marbled effect.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (it should not be completely clean).
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
- Serve:
- Once cooled, slice the brownies into squares and serve. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra chopped Kit Kat on top for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to add other mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
- Kit Kat Variations: You can use other types of Kit Kat, such as white chocolate Kit Kat or dark chocolate Kit Kat, to change up the flavor.
- Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Brownies
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American