Ultimate Brownies and Bars Cookout Tray
An easy, no-fuss dessert tray combining classic fudgy brownies, cream cheese swirls, chocolate chunks, and nuts, perfect for cookouts and parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170g) semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
- ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined and glossy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half the brownie batter evenly into the pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then pour the remaining brownie batter on top. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cream cheese gently into the batter.
- Scatter the chocolate chips and nuts evenly over the top, pressing them lightly into the batter. Finish with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Notes
If cream cheese mixture is too runny, chill for 10 minutes before swirling. Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and perfect edges. Avoid overmixing batter to keep brownies tender. Check baking time early to keep center gooey. Room temperature eggs and cream cheese mix better. For crispier edges, move tray to lower rack in last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One 2x2 inch square
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 34
- Protein: 4
Keywords: brownies, bars, cookout dessert, cream cheese swirl, chocolate, nuts, easy dessert, party dessert