Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

I've made these brownies on several occasions, and they're always a huge hit. Whether it be coworkers, teammates, or just family and friends, a batch is always quickly devoured. When I got the idea that I might want to make my swim team a batch of SOMETHING, my mind quickly wandered to these. Because what could be better than rich, chocolaty goodness combined with the sweet, creamy deliciousness of cheesecake?

Hmm... I can't think of anything. Except for maybe these Blueberry Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls that are currently in my oven. But brownies. CHEESECAKE brownies. Another journey to embark on soon; after I finish these rolls.

Come on, beat me to making them. I dare you.

CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

For the Brownies:

8 tablespoons butter (1 stick)

1 cup bittersweet (or semi-sweet) chocolate, chopped

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs and one egg white

2/3 cup flour

5 tablespoons cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup chocolate chips (OPTIONAL)

For the Cheesecake:

8 oz cream cheese (at room temperature)

2 egg yolk

7-10 teaspoon sugar (depends on how sweet you like it)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Grease an 8" square pan. Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cut the butter into pieces and along with the chocolate place in a microwave safe bowl. Melt at 30 second intervals until completely melted. Don't forget to take the bowl out and stir the mixture between every 30 seconds. Chocolate retains its shape as its being heated and you don't want to accidentally burn it. I put the bowl in a little less than three times. Beat in the sugar and eggs until combined, and then mix in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the vanilla (and chocolate chips). Spread evenly into the pan.

To make the cheesecake portion beat the cream cheese smooth in a bowl. Add in the egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Spread the cream cheese mix over the top of the brownie batter. Using a knife fold the cream cheese into the brownie to create a slight marble affect. Carefully smooth out the top of the batter with a spatula.

Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. LET COOL. Once cool cut into bars, remove from pan, and let completely cool off. Share with friends and family. Or be greedy and keep the entire batch to yourself. Either one works.