Cream Cheese Chocolate Brownies

INGREDIENTS

cream cheese batter

• ⅔ cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melted
• 1 egg
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ teaspoon vanilla

brownie batter

• ½ cup butter, melted
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 2 eggs
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk chocolate chips

frosting

• ¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips, melted
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

INSTRUCTIONS

1. First, prepare the cream cheese batter. In a medium bowl blend together melted chocolate chips, egg, cream cheese, sugar, flour, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl prepare the brownie batter by mixing the melted butter and cocoa powder until smooth. Add eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Add cream cheese batter to brownie batter and mix until incorporated. Gently stir in chocolate chips.
3. Pour batter in a greased, foil-lined 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan. (9x9 inch pan will yield thinner brownies) Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool completely.
4. When the brownies are cooled, prepare the frosting. Blend together melted chocolate and cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla and mix again until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add milk to thin frosting to a spreadable consistency. Spread on cooled brownies. Allow frosting to set up (at least 30 minutes) before cutting into squares. Store in airtight container.

from Creme de la Crumb