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–+ servings

Cream Cheese Brownie Bread

Heather Baird
Cream Cheese Brownie Bread is a rich, chocolaty loaf with a cream cheese ribbon baked right in the center. Topped with a chocolate ganache and finished with chocolate shavings, this indulgent treat is a mash-up of brownies and cheesecake.
Be sure to plan ahead; after baking and cooling, the loaf needs to chill for at least 4 hours to set properly before slicing. It’s worth the wait for the perfect texture and flavor!
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
4 hours chill/hands off 4 hours
Total Time 5 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10

Equipment

  • 9x5 inch loaf pan (about 7.5 cup capacity)
  • parchment paper

Ingredients
 
 

Brownie

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweet cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt or other fine grain salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder optional
  • 1/2 cup sunflower oil or light vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk full fat
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream cheese layer

  • 8 oz. cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ganache topping

  • 1/2 cup semisweet chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings

Instructions
 

Brownie

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • Coat a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper that overhangs the two long sides. This will act as a sling to lift the loaf out of the pan. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, espresso powder if using, and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir together until incorporated. Set aside while you mix the cream cheese ripple batter.

Cream cheese layer

  • Place all of the ingredients for the cream cheese ripple in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until smooth and well-combined.
  • Scrape down the bowl and beat again briefly.

Assemble, bake, chill

  • Pour 1/2 of the brownie mixture into the bottom of the prepared loaf pan. Scoop or dollop the cream cheese mixture over brownie mixture (a trigger ice cream scoop is useful here). Spread as evenly as possible with an offset spatula. Top with the remaining half of brownie batter.
  • Bake for about 1 hour, or until the loaf is well puffed in the center and a toothpick tester inserted near its center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan 10 minutes. The middle of the loaf will deflate; this is normal.
  • Lift the loaf out of the pan and let cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. The refrigeration will help firm the cream cheese center and soften the crust for easier slicing.

Ganache topping

  • Place the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 100% power for 1 minute. Allow the mixture to stand for one minute. Whisk together until a shiny ganache forms.
  • Pour the ganache over the top of the loaf; sprinkle on chocolate shavings and refrigerate until set.
  • Slice brownie bread with a serrated knife. Bring slices to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Chocolate shavings: Run a vegetable peeler or knife along the edge of a chocolate bar to create the chocolate shavings needed for this recipe. Shave them directly over the loaf, or onto a plate. Don't handle the shavings with your fingers because they will melt instantly at body temperature. 

Storage:

  • Refrigerate: Since this loaf contains a cream cheese layer, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let slices sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.

Serving Tips:

  • Room Temperature: For the best flavor and texture, let the loaf or individual slices sit at room temperature before serving. The ganache softens slightly, and the brownie base becomes softer.
  • Extra Indulgence: Serve with a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for a truly decadent dessert.
 
Keyword Biscoff cream cheese frosting, brownie bread, brownie bread recipe, chocolate loaf cake, cream cheese brownie bread, unsweet cocoa powder
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