Fudgy Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Brownies
4.5
(22)

Everyone’s favorite bake sale treat goes gluten-free without any hard-to-find ingredients or alternative flours, just cornstarch and cocoa powder. Instant coffee or espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor of this ultra-fudgy brownie.
Recipe information
Total Time
1 hour, plus cooling
Yield
Makes 16 bars
Ingredients
For the cream cheese swirl:
For the brownies:
Special Equipment
Preparation
Make the cream cheese swirl:
Step 1
Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.
Make the brownies:
Step 2
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter baking pan and line with 2 overlapping layers of parchment, leaving a 2" overhang on all sides. Butter parchment.
Step 3
Whisk cornstarch, cocoa powder, coffee, and salt in a small bowl.
Step 4
Combine chocolate and 6 Tbsp. butter in a large heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, stirring occasionally, until butter and chocolate are melted and smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in sugar and vanilla. Whisk in eggs, one at a time, then whisk in cornstarch mixture until smooth, about 1 minute.
Step 5
Transfer batter to prepared pan. Dollop cream cheese mixture over batter, then swirl into batter with a knife or spatula.
Step 6
Bake brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes. Transfer pan to a wire rack and let cool completely. Using parchment overhang, transfer brownies to a cutting board. Cut into 4 pieces lengthwise, then 4 pieces crosswise to make 16 bars.
Do Ahead
Step 7
Brownies can be made 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.