Fudgy Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Brownies

Rich, fudgy brownies with a decadent cream cheese swirl, made completely gluten-free using cornstarch instead of flour. These brownies feature a perfect blend of semisweet chocolate and coffee flavors, topped with a creamy cheesecake mixture.

16 servings
1 hr 7 min

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 large large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for pan
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee or espresso powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 9 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 piece 8x8x2" baking pan

Cooking Instructions

  1. 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.

    5 min

  2. 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.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Whisk cornstarch, cocoa powder, coffee, and salt in a small bowl.

    2 min

  4. 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.

    15 min

  5. 5.

    Transfer batter to prepared pan. Dollop cream cheese mixture over batter, then swirl into batter with a knife or spatula.

    5 min

  6. 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.

    30 min

  7. 7.

    Brownies can be made 3 days ahead. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.