Fudgy Marble Swirl Brownies – Rich Chocolate Meets Creamy Vanilla

This bakery-style brownie with a cheesecake swirl is rich, chewy, and irresistibly good. Perfectly portioned into 16 squares and ready in under an hour!

If you're craving a brownie that feels just a bit more special—the kind you’d expect from a bakery or dessert bar—these Marble Swirl Brownies will completely steal the show. They start with a dark, fudgy chocolate base and are topped with dollops of sweet vanilla cream cheese that you gently swirl into a marbled masterpiece.

The result? A dessert that’s both rich and creamy, dense and chewy, and totally addictive. These brownies are easy to make, freezer-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. They slice neatly into 16 squares, making them perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, or an elegant dessert platter.

Why We Love These Marble Swirl Brownies

These brownies are all about texture and contrast. The base is everything you want from a brownie—fudgy, chocolaty, and slightly chewy with a glossy crackled top. Then you add the vanilla cream cheese swirl, which bakes into a creamy, tangy ribbon that perfectly balances the chocolate.

They're also:

• Made in two bowls (no mixer needed!)
• Easy to freeze and reheat
• Gorgeous to look at, with that classic marbled pattern
• A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike

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When to Make Marble Swirl Brownies

These brownies are versatile enough to work in any setting:

• School bake sales (they’re unique but still classic)
• Holiday dessert trays
• Birthday party treats
• Weekend baking projects with kids (they’ll love the swirling part!)
• Meal-prep dessert stash—yes, these freeze amazingly well.

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Tips, Substitutions & Equipment

Tips:

• Don’t over-swirl the batters or they’ll mix together—less is more!
• Let brownies cool completely for clean slices.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest swirl.

Substitutions:

• Use dark chocolate chunks for a more intense cocoa flavor.
• Swap in almond extract (½ tsp) in the swirl for a unique twist.
• Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

Equipment:

• 8x8-inch baking pan
• 2 medium mixing bowls
• Whisk or spatula
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Butter knife or skewer (for swirling)

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Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are 'affiliate links'. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission.

Marble Swirl Brownies Recipe

Servings: 16 brownies
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Brownie Base:

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (85g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Vanilla Cream Cheese Swirl:

• 4 oz (115g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. Make the brownie batter:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar.
   • Add eggs and vanilla; whisk for 30–60 seconds until glossy.
   • Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and salt just until combined.
   • Fold in chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
3. Make the swirl topping:
   • In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Create the marble effect:
   • Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter.
   • Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl in a figure-eight motion.
5. Bake for 30–32 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
6. Cool in pan for 20–30 minutes before slicing into 16 squares.

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Storage & Freezing

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store up to 5–6 days for a denser texture.
• Freezer: Freeze sliced brownies in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Store up to 2 months.
• To Serve from Frozen: Thaw at room temperature for 30–60 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds per square.

Notes & Variations

• Want even more chocolate? Add an extra ¼ cup of chocolate chips on top before baking.
• Try raspberry jam dollops for a fruity twist.
• For thicker brownies, use a 7x7-inch pan and bake 3–5 minutes longer.

These Marble Swirl Brownies aren’t just beautiful—they’re melt-in-your-mouth delicious. With rich chocolate flavor and a smooth vanilla swirl, they’re the kind of dessert that turns a casual gathering into something a little more memorable. They’re also easy to prep ahead, slice cleanly, and stay moist for days (if they last that long!).

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, or tag me with your swirl designs—I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin on them!

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