Chocolate Cream Cheese Brownies

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
• 1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup chopped nuts

Brownie Frosting

• 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened, for the frosting
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, for the frosting
• 1 1/3 cups powdered sugar, for the frosting
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract, for the frosting
• 1 tablespoon milk, for the frosting
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup, optional, for the frosting

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease the bottom of a 13 × 9 × 2-inch baking pan.
2. Beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and sugar in a large bowl until fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat well.
3. Stir together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, blending well. Stir in the chopped nuts.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. To make the frosting, beat the softened butter and cocoa in a small bowl until blended. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating well. Add the milk and corn syrup, if using, and beat until smooth and spreadable. Add more milk 1/2 teaspoon at a time if needed.
7. Spread the frosting over the cooled brownies. Cut into about 36 bars.