Cheesecake Brownies

by Cindy

     This week is one of my favorite categories - brownies.  Christy blogs a lot about loving chocolate but she must have gotten that from me because I'm a total chocoholic.  I think I inherited that from my mother too.  I don't know what it is but eating chocolate just makes me feel better.  My favorite brownie package mix is the Betty Crocker Original Supreme Brownie Mix with Hershey's Chocolate Syrup.These brownies are so moist and delicious.  My cousin Katie came for a visit once and wanted the recipe because she loved them so much.  She couldn't believe they were made with a package mix. 

      If I just make the plain brownies, I mix up all the ingredients except the Hershey's chocolate syrup packet. I spread out the brownie mixture in my 9 x 13 inch pan, then I pour the syrup up and down the top of the brownie mix.  I take a spatula and swirl the syrup into the mix just to barely mix it in. I add pecans on top and then bake them. 

      I used the Betty Crocker Original Supreme Brownie Mix for my cheesecake brownies.  They turned out beautifully.  I decided that I wanted a thick brownie, so I used a 8 x 8 inch pan and lined it with aluminum foil so that when I cut them they looked perfect. I sprayed the foil with nonstick spray and they didn't stick to the foil at all.  I have a cutting tool that works really well .  It makes a very clean cut so the brownies turn out nicely.  They taste very chocolately and with the cream cheese layer they do taste like cheesecake.  It is a great combination of flavors so give it a try.  These brownies would be a hit at any gathering.

Betty Crocker Original Supreme Brownie Mix with Hershey's Chocolate Syrup

1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 egg

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

1 8-oz cream cheese (softened)

2 T butter (softened)

1/3 cup sugar

1 T flour

1 t vanilla

   

Mix brownie mix according to the package using the egg, water, and oil.  Spread 3/4 of the brownie mix in a 9 x 13 inch pan or for a thicker brownie in an 8 x 8 inch pan lined with foil.  Spray the foil with nonstick spray.  Sprinkle the pecans on top.  Mix together cream cheese, sugar, butter, flour and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Spread this on the brownie mixture.  Spread the leftover batter on the cream cheese mixture and using a spatula or knife swirl the mixtures together for a marbled effect.  Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven.  Use the baking time guide on the brownie mix box and bake until a toothpick comes out almost clean.  Cool completely before cutting. 

recipe from Allrecipes.com