Fudgy Chocolate Cheese Brownies Recipe

Fudgy Chocolate Cheese Brownies Recipe

Makes 16  1¾-in squares (Preheat oven to 175°C)

50g dark chocolate, finely chopped

2 tablespoons whipping cream

120g cream cheese, softened

½ large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon plain (all-purpose) flour

Brownie Batter:

130g plain (all-purpose) flour

¼ teaspoon salt

140g dark chocolate, chopped

100g butter

120g castor sugar

120g light brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

2½ large eggs

Icing (confectioners') sugar for dusting - optional

Method:

Line the bottom and sides of a 7-in square pan with aluminum foil, creating an overhang on each side.  Butter and flour base.  Prepare chocolate-cheese filling.  Place chopped chocolate and whipping cream in a heatproof (flameproof) bowl, set over a pot of simmering water and stir until completely melted and smooth.  Remove from heat.  (Alternatively, heat in a microwave oven at medium power until completed melted and smooth).  Leave to cool slightly.  Stir cream cheese until smooth.  Blend in chocolate mixture until well mixed.  Gradually add egg and flour, stirring until well incorporated.  Set aside.  Prepare brownie batter.  In a medium bowl, stir together flour and salt and set aside.  Place chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof (flameproof) bowl, set over a pot of simmering water and stir until completely melted and smooth.  Remove from heat.  (Alternative, heat in a microwave oven at medium power until completely melted and smooth).  Stir in castor and light brown sugar, vanilla essence and eggs.  Fold in flour mixture until just moistened.  Pour half of brownie batter into prepared pan.  Spread chocolate cheese filling over evenly and almost to edge of pan.  Cover with remaining brownie batter.  Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.  Remove from oven and leave to cool in pan on a wire rack.  Using foil extensions as handles, remove brownie from pan.  Cut into 1¾-in squares, dust with icing sugar and decorate as desired before serving.  The brownies can be kept covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days.