Can cream cheese be used instead of goat cheese?u003cbr/u003e

I have not tested the recipe with cream cheese, but I see no reason why you can’t! Just be sure to use the same amount as you would the goat cheese. Use the full fat cream cheese, not the low fat variety. Full fat is better for baking.u003cbr/u003e

Can milk chocolate be used instead of dark chocolate?u003cbr/u003e

Yes! You can use the same amount of milk chocolate as you would dark, or even a mixture of both in equal amounts. u003cbr/u003e

What type of honey is best? u003cbr/u003e

I used raw honey for this recipe, but most any variety is fine. Just make sure it’s the best quality you can find. Due to its strong flavor, I would avoid Buckwheat honey or other dark hued varieties. Orange Blossom would be nice here, as it would impart a mild orange flavor that would go well with the chocolate.u003cbr/u003e

Could I do a marbled effect instead of baking these in layers?u003cbr/u003e

You sure can! All you need to do when it’s time to add the batter to the pan is instead of pouring all the chocolate batter into the pan at once, only add half. Then add the goat cheese mixture, then add the other half of the chocolate batter on top in large scoops. Then use a butter knife or long wooden skewer and swirl it around in the pan to create the marbling and bake at the same temperature for the same amount of time.u003cbr/u003e

I don’t have espresso powder. Could I leave it out?u003cbr/u003e

You can! The espresso powder just enhances the chocolate flavor a bit. It’s nice to use it here but if you don’t have any that’s ok too!u003cbr/u003e

Should I use chocolate bars for this recipe, or could chocolate chips be used?u003cbr/u003e

You could use either one! If you are using chips, get the best quality you can find. If you are using chocolate bars, be sure to use the bars from the baking aisle of your grocery store and avoid using candy bars.u003cbr/u003e

Could I double this recipe and bake them in a larger pan?u003cbr/u003e

I have not attempted this as part of testing this recipe. If you want to double the amount of brownies this yields, I advise doubling the recipe for the chocolate layer and the goat cheese layer, and using two 8x8x2 pans, dividing the doubled batter in half between the two pans.u003cbr/u003e

Dark Chocolate Goat Cheese Brownies with Honey

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Pan

Unsalted Butter for greasing pan
1 tsp Dark Cocoa Powder

For the Brownie Batter

2/3 cup All Purpose Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Espresso Powder
1/8 tsp Salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter
6 ounces Dark Chocolate (chips or chopped bar chocolate)
3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
1 large Egg
1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

For the Goat Cheese Honey Layer

4 ounces Goat Cheese, softened
2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, softened
2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
1 large Egg
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup All Purpose Flour

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Instructions

For the Pan

Turn oven on tom 350 degrees and grease an 8x8x2 inch square pan with unsalted butter.
Add the dark cocoa powder and swirl the pan around the spread the cocoa powder around, tapping the sides with your hand. Make sure the cocoa powder and butter go up the sides of the pan at least half an inch.

For the Brownie Batter

In a small bowl, combine 2/3 cup all purpose flour, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp espresso powder, and 1/8 tsp salt and stir well.
In a small saucepan on medium low heat, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 6 ounces of chocolate, stirring to combine.
Once chocolate and butter are melted, add the 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and stir well.
Add the one egg and vanilla extract to the saucepan and stir to combine.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and begin making the goat cheese layer. Note: If you prefer to marble the batters, see instructions in the blog post, or the notes section below.

For the Goat Cheese Honey Layer

In a small bowl, microwave the goat cheese and the 2 Tbsp of unsalted butter for 10 to 15 seconds to soften.
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. whip the goat cheese, 2 Tbsp of butter, and the 2 Tbsp of granulated sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add the one egg and stir on medium speed until combined.
Add the 1/4 cup of honey and stir on low speed for a minute or so to incorporate.
Add the 1/4 cup of all purpose flour and stir on medium speed until well combined.
Pour the goat cheese layer over the top of the brownie batter layer, using a rubber scraper to get all the batter out of the bowl.
Using a rubber scraper or offset spatula, smooth the top of the goat cheese layer. Place the pan in the center rack of the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness at 25 minutes. When the brownies are done, the outer edges will appear set and the center will just barely jiggle. After 25 minutes, check every two minutes if they need more baking time, being careful not to over bake.
Allow to cool, cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

To marble the brownies, only add half the brownie batter to the pan at first. Then, add the goat cheese layer on top. Spoon the other half of the brownie batter in clumps over the top of the goat cheese layer. Stick a butter knife or wooden skewer into the batter and swirl it around to marble the batters.

Author: Amy at The Copper Table
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Desserts and Baking

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
Calories: 344
Sugar: 36
Sodium: 129
Fat: 14
Saturated Fat: 9
Unsaturated Fat: 5
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 49
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6
Cholesterol: 61