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Cream Cheese Brownie Bread with Ganache Topping Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Description

This Cream Cheese Brownie Bread is a decadent layered loaf featuring rich, fudgy brownie batter and a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl. Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache and chocolate shavings, it’s a perfect treat for dessert lovers who enjoy a moist and flavorful bread-like cake. The recipe requires baking and chilling to achieve its distinctive flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Brownie

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweet cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt or other fine grain salt
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sunflower oil or light vegetable oil
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup full-fat buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ganache Topping

  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper that overhangs the long sides to create a sling for easy removal.
  2. Mix dry brownie ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, espresso powder (if using), and fine salt until completely combined.
  3. Combine wet brownie ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the sunflower or vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and full-fat buttermilk until smooth and incorporated.
  4. Combine wet and dry brownie mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined, then set aside to prepare the cream cheese layer.
  5. Prepare cream cheese layer: Place the cream cheese, sugar, egg, flour, and vanilla extract into the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix briefly again.
  6. Assemble the loaf: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop or scoop the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of the brownie layer, spreading gently with an offset spatula. Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer, covering it evenly.
  7. Bake the loaf: Bake for about 1 hour or until the loaf is set, puffed in the center, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. The middle may deflate slightly, which is normal.
  8. Cool and chill: Use the parchment paper sling to lift the loaf out of the pan. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm the cream cheese layer and soften the crust for easier slicing.
  9. Make the ganache topping: Place chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 100% power for one minute, then let stand for one minute. Whisk until smooth and glossy to form the ganache.
  10. Finish and serve: Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled loaf and sprinkle with chocolate shavings. Refrigerate until the ganache is set. Slice with a serrated knife and bring slices to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Chocolate shavings: Make chocolate shavings by running a vegetable peeler or knife along the edge of a chocolate bar. Sprinkle the shavings directly over the ganache or onto a plate. Avoid handling with your hands as they will melt quickly.
  • Storage: Refrigerate the loaf in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  • Serving tips: Serve at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture. For extra indulgence, add warm chocolate sauce, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream alongside the slices.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/cream-cheese-brownie-bread-with-ganache-topping-recipe/