Omaha-Inspired Cream Cheese Brownies with Sea Salt
Fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with tangy cream cheese and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt for a perfect sweet-salty balance. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 50 minutes layers unsalted butter, semi-sweet chocolate chips, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 9, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter with 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup granulated sugar and 2 large eggs until combined, then stir in the melted chocolate mixture and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, then gently fold into the chocolate batter until just combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 large egg yolk until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased 8x8-inch pan, spread evenly, then dollop the cream cheese mixture over it.
- Step 6: Top with the remaining brownie batter and use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the chocolate batter to create a marbled effect.
- Step 7: Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon sea salt flakes evenly over the top.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center still slightly soft; cool completely before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Omaha-Inspired Cream Cheese Brownies with Sea Salt take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Omaha-Inspired Cream Cheese Brownies with Sea Salt?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Omaha-Inspired Cream Cheese Brownies with Sea Salt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Omaha-Inspired Cream Cheese Brownies with Sea Salt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 9 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 9). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Omaha-Inspired Cream Cheese Brownies with Sea Salt?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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