Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies

Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe - A Delicious American Classic

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 9

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies with this delicious recipe. The combination of creamy cream cheese, roasted hazelnuts, and chocolatey brownie batter creates a mouthwatering treat that is perfect for any occasion.

History

The origins of Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies are not entirely clear, but it is believed that the recipe was inspired by the classic combination of cream cheese and chocolate. The addition of roasted hazelnuts adds a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the brownies, making them a unique and irresistible dessert.

Ingredients

4 oz (113 g) of cream cheese, at room temperature
0.25 cup of granulated sugar
1 egg
2 tsp of lemon juice
0.5 tsp of vanilla
0.25 cup of finely ground roasted hazelnuts (Oregon hazelnut meal)

Brownie Batter

6 oz (170 g) of semi-sweet chocolate morsels
0.25 cup of butter or margarine
0.75 cup of all-purpose white flour
2 tbsp of cocoa
0.5 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of salt
0.75 cup of granulated sugar
0.75 cup of granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp of vanilla
0.5 cup of roasted and coarsely chopped Oregon hazelnuts

How to prepare

In a 1 qt (946 ml) bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
Beat in the egg, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Fold in the hazelnut meal.
Refrigerate while preparing the brownie batter.

Brownie Batter

Melt the chocolate morsels and butter over simmering water.
Cool to 100-110°F (43°C).
In a small bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, and salt.
Set aside.
In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) bowl, beat the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and lemon colored, about 2 minutes.
Beat in the melted chocolate and butter.
Add the dry ingredients and beat until well mixed.
Fold in the chopped hazelnuts.
Spread half of the chocolate batter into a greased 8-inch square baking pan.
Pour the cream cheese filling over the bottom layer.
Gently spread the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer.
Pull a metal spatula through the batter for a marbleized effect.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for approximately 40 minutes.
Do not over bake.
Cool and serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar.

Variations

Substitute the hazelnuts with almonds or pecans for a different flavor profile.
Add a swirl of raspberry or strawberry jam to the cream cheese filling for a fruity twist.
Top the brownies with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra touch of indulgence.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth to ensure a creamy and lump-free filling.

- Be careful not to over bake the brownies, as they can become dry and lose their fudgy texture.

- For a more intense hazelnut flavor, toast the hazelnuts before grinding them into a meal.

- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into squares to prevent them from falling apart.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the cream cheese and sugar until smooth

- Folding in the hazelnut meal

- Marbleizing the brownie batter for a visually appealing finish

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine in the brownie batter for a richer flavor.

- Replace the semi-sweet chocolate morsels with dark chocolate for a more intense chocolate taste.

- Swap the hazelnut meal with almond flour for a different nutty flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the brownies with powdered sugar before serving for a decorative touch. - Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter for easy sharing. - Garnish the brownies with whole roasted hazelnuts for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Hazelnuts are a good source of vitamin E, magnesium, and copper, which are essential for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains hazelnuts, eggs, and dairy (cream cheese), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies are a delicious treat that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals, making them a satisfying and indulgent dessert option.

Summary

Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful combination of creamy cream cheese, roasted hazelnuts, and chocolatey brownie batter. With a fudgy texture and rich flavor, these brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a cup of coffee for a truly indulgent dessert experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies. It was a cool autumn day, the leaves were falling outside, and the scent of pumpkin spice filled the air. I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who was known for her delicious baked goods. As I entered her cozy kitchen, I could see her bustling about, pulling ingredients from her well-stocked pantry.

"Hello, my dear," Martha greeted me with a warm smile. "I have a special treat for you today. I recently discovered this recipe for Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies, and I just know you'll love them."

I watched in amazement as Martha effortlessly whipped up the batter, mixing together rich chocolate, creamy cream cheese, and crunchy hazelnuts. The aroma that wafted from the oven as the brownies baked was simply intoxicating. I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into one of those decadent treats.

As Martha pulled the brownies from the oven, the tops were perfectly golden and the cream cheese swirls glistened in the light. She cut them into generous squares and handed me a plate with a knowing look in her eye.

"Go on, take a bite," she urged.

I did as she instructed, closing my eyes as the flavors exploded on my taste buds. The rich chocolate paired perfectly with the tangy cream cheese, and the hazelnuts added a delightful crunch. It was a symphony of flavors in every bite.

"Martha, these are simply divine!" I exclaimed, savoring every morsel.

She chuckled at my enthusiasm and poured us each a cup of steaming hot tea. As we sat at her kitchen table, enjoying our brownies and tea, Martha shared with me the story of how she came across the recipe.

"It was many years ago, when I was just a young bride," she began. "I was visiting my aunt in the countryside, and she invited me to help her bake for a church bake sale. She handed me this recipe for Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies, saying it was a family favorite. I was skeptical at first, but after one bite, I was hooked."

Martha's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she reminisced about that day. She told me how she had tweaked the original recipe over the years, adding her own personal touch to make it truly her own. And now, she was passing it on to me, knowing that I would appreciate it just as much as she did.

After that day, Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies became a staple in my baking repertoire. I would make them for family gatherings, potlucks, and any other occasion that called for a special treat. And each time I did, I would think back to that day in Martha's kitchen, where I first fell in love with this decadent dessert.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing a batch of Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies for my grandchildren, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for Martha and her generosity in sharing this recipe with me. It's not just a sweet treat; it's a connection to the past, a reminder of the friendships and memories that have enriched my life over the years.

As the brownies bake in the oven, filling my home with the familiar scent of chocolate and hazelnuts, I can't help but smile. This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a story, a legacy that I will pass on to future generations. And I hope that one day, my grandchildren will remember the wonder they felt when they first tasted Hazelnut Cream Cheese Brownies, just as I did all those years ago.