Magnificent Mocha Macadamia Nut Brownies

Ingredients

Ingredients For Cream Cheese Filling

• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained

Ingredients For Brownies

• 6 ounces sweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons coffee, brewed strong
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped macadamia nuts

Directions

1. 1

   Cream Cheese Filling:.

2. 2

   In a medium size bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until light and fluffy. Add the sugar into this gradually and beat until the sugar is well incorporated.

3. 3

   Beat in the egg then mix in the flour, pineapple and vanilla.

4. 4

   Set mixture aside.

5. 5

   Directions For Brownies:

6. 6

   Preheat oven to 350°F

7. 7

   Lightly butter an 8-inch square nonstick baking pan.

8. 8

   In a heavy, small sauce pan, heat together the baking chocolate and butter over low heat until the mixture is smooth.

9. 9

   Remove the pan from the heat and cool slightly.

10. 10

    In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar until they are slightly thickened. This should take 2 minutes.

11. 11

    Mix in the flour, baking powder and salt then add the chocolate-butter mixture and the vanilla and almond extracts.

12. 12

    Stir in chocolate chips and macadamia nuts. Pour about 1 1/4 cups of the chocolate batter in the prepared pan then use a rubber spatula to spread the cream cheese mixture over chocolate batter.

13. 13

    Take a large spoon and gently place the remaining chocolate batter over top of cream cheese mixture.

14. 14

    Using the pointed tip of a knife, gently make swirls by making large S shapes for a marbled design through the batter.

15. 15

    Bake for 30 minutes or until tester toothpick inserted into center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. Remove the pan from the oven, place on a rack, and allow to cool.

16. 16

    When cool to the touch, take a sharp knife and cut them into squares.