Help! There’s a chocolate shortage!
I’m not kidding, you guys. I just saw this article and I’m freaking out! I don’t want this to happen. How can we stop this from happening? Now I feel really awful about using so much chocolate all the time. This is my fault!
And this post isn’t helping, either. I swear I made these before I learned about the shortage. But I can see that really, using three times the amount of chocolate that I need to in a recipe might be going too far. But isn’t that what makes baking fun?
![Triple Chocolate Cheese-Filled Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cheesebrown3-e1416422966833.jpg)
These brownies are very fudgy, of course. And they have chocolate chunks in them. And there’s a layer of chocolate on top. Do I feel guilty? Not because of the decadence. Heck no! Just because of the aforementioned shortage and the possible blame that lies at my door.
![Triple Chocolate Cheese-Filled Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cheesebrown4-e1416423019365.jpg)
The middle layer isn’t exactly a cheesecake. It’s more reminiscent of a cheese filling that you might find in a coffee cake or breakfast pastry. Basically, it’s just cream cheese and sugar. When it bakes up, the consistency is similar to caramel. It’s got a great tang which contrasts perfectly with all of the chocolate.
![Triple Chocolate Cheese-Filled Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cheesebrown2-e1416422923907.jpg)
The brownies, as you can see, are fudgy in the extreme. The chocolate chunks push them over the edge a bit, but in the best way. I love the fact that stores are now selling chocolate chunks. No more chopping chocolate with a knife! Well, not as much of it, anyway.
![Triple Chocolate Cheese-Filled Brownies](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cheesebrown1-e1416422891919.jpg)
As long as there’s chocolate, I’ll be eating it, shortage or not. Just call me the grasshopper that sang all summer! Or is it ate? Something with an ant saving food, learning a lesson, blah blah blah. That’s not me, guys. Feast while the going is good!
Triple Chocolate Cheese-Filled Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup chocolate chunks
Cheese Filling
8 oz. cream cheese, softened (I used low-fat)
1 cup sugar
Topping
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8 X 8 pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cocoa into the melted butter until it dissolves. Add the sugar and stir again. When the sugar is incorporated, mix in the vanilla and eggs. Add the salt and flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes until nearly but not quite done.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Pour the cheese mixture over the brownies. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn golden and the middle is set.
- Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth, and then spread the chocolate carefully over the cheese filling.
- Refrigerate the brownies for 30-45 minutes until set. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container. I prefer mine chilled, but that's up to you!
3.1
http://justaboutbaked.com/triple-chocolate-cheese-filled-brownies/
![](//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png)
I saw something on the news about a chocolate shortage, too! So I guess that means we just have to fill up on loads of chocolate, even more than normal! 🙂 These cheesecake brownies look mouthwatering, Mir! I love the rich brownie with the creamy filling. Definitely jazzes up regular ‘ole brownies!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Maple Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots
Yep, seize the day. Happy weekend, Gayle!
these bars look absolutely delicious Mir! but that article kinda freaks me out! I don’t want blah tasting chocolate but I also don’t want to go without chocolate 🙁 not a good thing!… good thing these brownies are triple chocolate, gotta live it up before it turns into not-so-triple, like single chocolate! … have a great weekend 😉![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Michele @ Two Raspberries recently posted…Veggie Sandwich Vegan
I’m very freaked out, too. No cheap chocolate! Anything but that, Michele!
I love chocolate and definitely don’t want this to happen… I heard that prices are going up, too. These triple chocolate brownies look awesome! I love anything cheese filled, these are just genius! Pinned and will try them!![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Mira recently posted…Quinoa, Pomegranate and Spinach Salad
They sure are, Mira. Hershey raised their prices. Thanks for the pin!
A chocolate shortage? I need to start making the most of chocolate then and I am going to start right here with these brownies. This has just reminded me that I haven’t made any brownies in such a long time.![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Friday Favourites: Christmas Cake, Blender Giveaway Winner, Burritos and Christmas Cake by Susie @ SuzLyfe
Never go too long without brownies, Dannii! They’re one of my favorites!
I can’t imagine a more perfect brownie Mir! I’m going to pretend I didn’t read the words “chocolate shortage”, I prefer to remain blissfully ignorant 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Trish – Mom On Timeout recently posted…Easy Gift Wrap Medallion Ornaments
That is probably a good idea, Trish! I really don’t want this to happen. Like, really really.
Those brownies look amazing Mir! And chocolate shortage sounds awful! I will do the same though, just keep eating it and hope it doesn’t happen! 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Crispy Oven Baked Wings
That’s right, Stacey! We’ll bury our heads in the sand. Love that plan!
There better not be a chocolate shortage!! I might just lose it! Until that happens, I must stuff my face full of chocolatey goodness such as this!! 🙂![My Profile](http://justaboutbaked.com/wp-content/plugins/commentluv/images/littleheartplus.png)
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife recently posted…Chocolate Covered Pretzels in a Turkey Jar
It’s quite upsetting, Jocelyn. I’m not stopping, though! Someone will figure something out!