If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy twist and a satisfying crunch, these KIT KAT Cream Cheese Brownies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine dense, chocolatey brownies layered with a smooth, tangy cream cheese swirl and crunchy KIT KAT pieces in every bite. It’s the perfect combination of gooey, crispy, and creamy—all in one decadent dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Fudgy meets crunchy – The soft, melt-in-your-mouth brownie base pairs perfectly with crispy KIT KAT bars.
- Cream cheese swirl – A rich and tangy cheesecake layer takes these brownies to the next level.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a dessert that looks (and tastes) bakery-quality.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick preview of what you’ll need (full ingredient list below!):
- Butter
- Dark chocolate
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Cream cheese
- KIT KAT bars
Directions
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Melt the butter and dark chocolate together until smooth. Stir in the sugar, followed by the eggs, one at a time. Mix in the cocoa powder and flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the brownies fudgy.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with sugar and an egg until smooth and creamy. This will create a luscious cheesecake layer that complements the rich brownies.
Step 4: Layer the Brownies
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, then sprinkle chopped KIT KAT pieces on top. Spoon the remaining brownie batter over everything and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Let the brownies cool completely before slicing (if you can wait that long!).
Step 6: Slice and Enjoy
Once cooled, lift the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into squares. Enjoy every fudgy, creamy, crunchy bite!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For extra crunch: Add whole KIT KAT fingers on top before baking for even more texture.
- Chill before slicing: Refrigerate the brownies for at least an hour for cleaner cuts.
- Make them even more chocolatey: Stir some chocolate chips into the brownie batter for double the chocolate.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different candy bars: Swap KIT KAT for Twix, Reese’s, or Oreos for a fun variation.
- Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Extra caramel: Drizzle caramel sauce between the layers for an extra indulgent touch.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These brownies pair perfectly with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a coffeehouse-style treat, serve them warm with a shot of espresso or a homemade mocha.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to get that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes! Milk chocolate will make the brownies slightly sweeter, while dark chocolate gives a richer flavor.
2. Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
3. Why are my brownies too dry?
Overbaking is the usual culprit. Take them out when the center is just set but still slightly soft for the perfect fudgy texture.
4. Can I make these without the cream cheese layer?
Of course! Just leave it out and enjoy classic KIT KAT brownies instead.
Conclusion
These KIT KAT Cream Cheese Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. With their rich, fudgy base, creamy cheesecake swirl, and crispy KIT KAT bites, they’re a guaranteed hit at any gathering—or just for yourself! Give them a try, and don’t be surprised when they disappear fast!
Print
The Ultimate Brownie Recipe: KIT KAT Cream Cheese Brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent KIT KAT Cream Cheese Brownies, where rich chocolate brownies meet a creamy cheesecake layer and crunchy KIT KAT bars. Perfect for chocolate lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 3/4 cup (1.5 sticks) unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 16 individual Kit Kat bars (from 4 standard-sized packages)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquefied. Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Assemble the Brownie Layer:
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Gently press the Kit Kat bars into the batter, arranging them in a single layer to cover the surface.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie and Kit Kat layer, spreading it evenly to cover.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent a piece of aluminum foil over the pan during the last 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Variations: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the top before serving.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg