Ingredients

  • fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on package
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, divided
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 2 1/4 cups confectioners' sugar, plus more for dusting on top
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Method

  • Equipment:
  • 9x9 baking dish.
  • Stand mixer.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9x9 inch square baking pan with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper leaving an overhang of 1-inch on the sides, then spray parchment paper.
  • Prepare fudge brownie batter according to package instructions and bake for 20 minutes. In a medium bowl, whisk to combine flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk to combine milk and sour cream.
  • To make the butter cake batter, in the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat to combine butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 1-2 minutes. Add 2 eggs, one at a time, and beat until combined. Reduce speed to low and add flour and milk in 3 additions, beginning and ending with the flour; set batter aside.
  • To make gooey topping, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then beat in 2 eggs, confectioner's sugar and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
  • Spoon the butter cake batter onto the brownie and use a small offset spatula to spread evenly over the brownies. Pour gooey topping over the batter and smooth into an even layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes until topping baked through but still soft when tested with a cake tester or toothpick.
  • Let cool, then dust top with confectioner's sugar. Cut into squares to serve.