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Ultimate Coconut Brownies with Cream Cheese Swirl

Fudgy coconut brownies swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer for an irresistible dessert.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 1
Course: Brownies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

Cheesecake Swirl
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 1 1/4 cups sweetened shredded coconut
Brownie Base
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter 8 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder natural or Dutch-process
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
Make the Cheesecake Swirl
  1. In a large bowl, using a handheld mixer or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the flour, sugar, egg, and coconut extract; beat until fully combined. Stir in the shredded coconut on low speed. Set aside at room temperature.
Make the Brownie Batter
  1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in 30-second increments. Whisk in the oil and sugar; let cool for 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, flour, and salt; whisk until a thick batter forms. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Layer and Swirl
  1. Spoon about one-third of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drop about one-third of the cheesecake batter in spoonfuls over the brownie layer; gently swirl with a knife or spoon. Repeat with another third of the brownie batter, another third of the cheesecake batter, and swirl again. Finish with the remaining brownie batter and cheesecake batter, swirling gently one last time.
Bake
  1. Bake for 40 to 42 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. After 25 minutes, tent the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.
Serve
  1. Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into 16 squares.
Storage
  1. Cover leftovers and store at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 130mgFiber: 3gSugar: 28g

Notes

For best results, make the cheesecake batter first as the brownie batter thickens quickly. Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs to ensure a smooth swirl. If you prefer a stronger coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet until golden before adding. To prevent the top from burning, tent with foil halfway through baking. These brownies are rich and fudgy; serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

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