2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
2 1/2 cups sugar, divided
2 teaspoons vanilla
5 large eggs, divided
1 cup butter
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
In the bowl of a stand mixer (or with an electric hand mixer), beat cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla and 1 egg until smooth. Set aside.
Place butter and chocolate chips into a medium-sized bowl. Melt in the microwave for about 1 minute. Stir the chocolate and butter together, then set aside to cool slightly.
Place chocolate mixture, 2 cups sugar, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl, then beat with an electric hand mixer or in the bowl of a stand mixer for 1 minute, scraping the sides and bottom occasionally.
Beat flour and salt into the chocolate mixture on medium speed for 1 minute. Stir in the pecans.
Line a 6-quart slow cooker with a liner or aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Spread half of the chocolate mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the cream cheese mixture in spoonfuls over the chocolate and carefully spread into an even layer. Top with the last of the chocolate mixture, spreading it over or marbling it into the bottom chocolate layer.
Place lid on slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, or until the center is just set.
Turn the slow cooker off, then let the brownies sit in the slow cooker for about half an hour to set before removing. Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving.