• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kudos Kitchen by Renee

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Meal Planning Bundle
  • Appetizer/Snack Collection
  • Recipe Index
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Meal Planning Bundle
    • Appetizer/Snack Collection
    • Recipe Index
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Dessert Recipes » Brownies and Cookie Bars Recipes

    Published: Sep 6, 2010 · Modified: May 28, 2026 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

    Take 5 Cream Cheese Brownies

    Jump to Recipe

    Swirled with extra flavor, these Take 5 Cream Cheese Brownies are what brownie-lovers dreams are made of!

    A full baking pan with baked Cream Cheese Brownies and take-5 candy pieces on top.

    *Disclaimer - This recipe was originally published in 2010. I'm working hard to update all my older recipes with recipe cards, new photos, and additional recipe information. But, getting to all of them will take time. Please bear with me. In the meantime let me assure you that this recipe is still a winner and one I'm sure you'll be well pleased with when you make it at home.

    What I wrote about this recipe in 2010:

    I enjoy baking but I don't especially love having all sorts of tempting sweets around the house. 

    That is why I usually only bake when we're having people over, or when we've been invited to someone's house, or for special occasions. 

    I'm now in the process of re-thinking my decision and I've started baking on a regular basis. 

    Save this for later.

    We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

    Email forwarding service for saving information.

    If nothing else, I enjoy the process and then my husband can bring my efforts to work.  Not a bad idea and it seems like everybody wins.  Either that or we have to start having a lot of parties at the house.

    I made these brownies to take to a friend's backyard BBQ over Labor Day weekend. 

    I had some people utter the word "perfect" as they were chowing down on them, but I'm by no means here to tell you they're "perfect." 

    What I will tell you is that they are pretty darned good.  It's that salty/sweet thing that gets 'em every time!

    OMGosh!!! Maybe "perfect" is the perfect word after all! 🙂 

    Sweet, chocolaty, melty, gooey, salty, crunchy, creamy, and delicious!  Pretty much says it all!

    I hope you enjoyed this and I've tempted you to try making these.  You won't be sorry! 

    Printable Recipe Card

    Three chocolate Take 5 Candy Bar Brownies on a plate.
    QR Code

    TAKE 5 CREAM CHEESE BROWNIES

    Renee Goerger
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Course Dessert, dessert - brownies
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 376 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Cream Cheese Layer:

    • 1 - 8 oz. package of cream cheese softened
    • ¼ cup white sugar
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

    Brownie Layer:

    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • ¼ cup unsalted butter
    • ½ cup white sugar
    • 2 large eggs
    • ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
    • ½ teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Topping:

    • 5 or 6 fun-size "Take 5" candy bars chopped
    InstacartGet Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch square baking pan, set aside

    To make the cream cheese mixture:

    • Combine cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla in a mixing bowl; beat until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips.
      Set aside.

    To make the brownie batter:

    • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips and butter together on low power at 30-second intervals, stirring until melted.
      Add ½ cup sugar and 2 eggs and mix until combined.
    • Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, and then add the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture. Stir to combine.
    • Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
      Top the brownie batter with the cream cheese mixture, then top the cream cheese layer with the remaining brownie mixture (this won't cover the entire surface).
      Using a knife, swirl the top chocolate layer into the cream cheese to make a marble pattern.
    • Top the entire surface with chopped candy bars.
    • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges pull away from the sides of the pan.
      Cool thoroughly and cut into squares.

    Notes

    Store these in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days.
    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
    May be frozen. Store in an airtight freezer container. Label and date. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 376kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 78mgPotassium: 298mgFiber: 4gSugar: 26gVitamin A: 229IUCalcium: 45mgIron: 4mg

    Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!

    Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

    More Brownies and Cookie Bars Recipes

    • Coconut Brownies on a plate with melted chocolate and nuts.
      Coconut Brownies with Macadamia Nuts
    • Tiger Paws Cereal Bars on a white plate with a knife and peanut butter.
      Frosted Cornflake Cereal Bars
    • A brownie Strawberry Shortcake on a pink plate.
      Brownie Strawberry Shortcake
    • A stack of three Nutella Cookie Bars.
      Layered Nutella Cookie Bars

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Please tell me what you think... Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      By submitting this comment you agree to share your name, email address, website and IP address with Kudos Kitchen by Renee. This information will not be used for any purpose other than enabling you to post a comment. *

    1. Charenn29 says

      November 21, 2011 at 6:39 am

      very tempting!! mouthwatering!! i really wanna taste it.

      Reply
    2. Kate says

      September 09, 2010 at 10:26 pm

      Oh.

      My.

      Word.

      Mah belly needs some of that. STAT!

      Reply
    3. Paula says

      September 07, 2010 at 8:24 pm

      My goodness these do look perfect Renee. I'm going to have to make them and soon.

      I do a lot of baking too but I don't eat a lot of it either. Like you, I give it away...somehow seems more enjoyable that way and just may be why I love to bake so much!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee holding a cast iron skillet cornbread.

    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

    More →

    Fast and Easy Dinners

    • A salsa sloppy joe sandwich in a small cast iron skillet with avocado slices and a sesame seed bun.
      Salsa Sloppy Joes
    • A stack of Burrito Dogs with some ketchup and mustard in the background.
      Burrito Dogs (aka Dogs in a Blanket)
    • Four Caprese Sausage Sandwiches on a platter with tomatoes and fresh basil.
      Easy Caprese Sausage Sandwich
    • A stack to Burgerdillas on a wooden cutting board.
      Burgerdillas - Burgers in Tortillas

    What's New?

    RSS What's New?

    • Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps
      Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps come together in about 5 minutes with grocery store convenience items, such as rotisserie chicken, bottled Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can be one of the best ways to get a fast, easy, and delicious meal on the table without much effort. […]
    • Traditional German Potato Salad
      Traditional German Potato Salad Warm and tangy German Potato Salad is the perfect side dish for just about any main course. It's especially good at a backyard BBQ or party. READ: Traditional German Potato Salad
    • Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs
      Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs This recipe for smoked BBQ Salsa Baby Back Ribs came out of necessity. Making BBQ salsa sauce is one of the most flavorful kitchen hacks EVER! READ: Salsa BBQ Sauce Baby Back Ribs
    • Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli
      Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli The bright flavor of Mandarin oranges and the sweet and savory teriyaki sauce makes this citrus ginger chicken a standout recipe for any night of the week! READ: Citrus Ginger Chicken with Broccoli
    • Cheese and Sausage Slow Cooker Lasagna
      Cheese and Sausage Slow Cooker Lasagna This Crockpot Lasagna is just the ticket when you haven't had a lot of time to cook, but dinner is still hot, ready, and delicious. READ: Cheese and Sausage Slow Cooker Lasagna
    • Orange Cream Loaf Cake with Strawberries
      Orange Cream Loaf Cake with Strawberries Orange Cream Loaf Cake is inspired by the iconic flavor of an orange creamsicle. However, this cake is better thanks to an interior cream cheese layer, fresh strawberries throughout, and the delicious finishing touch of an orange citrus glaze. For other delicious sweet and savory recipes that feature citrus […]
    • Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce
      Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce will knock your socks off! The delicious flavor of this hot potato side dish is unusually unique! You'll love it! READ: Potato Gratin with Beer Cheese Sauce
    • Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Meringue Carrot Tops
      Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Meringue Carrot Tops Whimsical Carrot Cake Cupcakes with Meringue Carrot Tops are utterly charming, and look like they came right out of Mr. McGregor's garden. I've wanted to try my hand at making stand-alone, whimsical meringue food decorations for a long time. What better way to start than with these easy, […]
    • Pulled Beer-Braised Beef Brisket
      Pulled Beer-Braised Beef Brisket Pulled Beer-Braised Beef Brisket delivers an amazing depth of flavor with an incredibly easy preparation method guaranteed to ensure delicious results! You're going to love the flavor and ease of preparation this delicious pulled Beef and Beer Braised Brisket delivers. It's a hearty meal that can be served a multitude of […]
    • Chilled Crab and Pea Seafood Salad
      Chilled Crab and Pea Seafood Salad Chilled Crab and Pea Seafood Salad is what you should reach for when you'd like a light meal that's heavy on flavor and super easy to prepare. We've probably all heard the puny phrase "Sea food, eat food," well, I've always followed (and enjoyed) that bit of witticism, so […]

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When I find a great product or service I like to share it with my readers. For additional information please view my privacy policy.

    Copyright © 2025 Kudos Kitchen by Renee

    2 shares
    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Email
    • Save
    • Threads