Yesterday, February 10th, was National Cream Cheese Brownie Day, but you never need an excuse to bake up a batch.

Drops of cheesecake batter are layered with chocolate brownie batter, then swirled together with a knife. Instead of making the brownie even richer, the cream cheese swirl lightens it, with a smoother texture and a counterpoint to the heaviness of the chocolate.

Zebras are a variation in which a full cheesecake layer rests atop a brownie layer—no swirl.

As a family treat or a Valentine gift, cream cheese brownies will make fans of everyone who likes both brownies and cheesecake.

Brownies with a cream cheese swirl. Photo by S.F. Photo | IST.