Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings smiles and happy memories, these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are just the ticket! Imagine rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy cheesecake and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. It’s a delightful combination that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re hosting friends for game night, cooking up something special for family gatherings, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are not only delicious but also easy to whip up. The best part? You’ll have an impressive dessert ready in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have this dessert ready in less than an hour!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the chocolaty brownies combined with the creamy cheesecake and fruity topping.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, birthday party, or just a cozy night in, these brownies fit right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: They store well in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep or last-minute guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make these scrumptious Cherry Cheesecake Brownies! You probably have most of them on hand already.

For the Brownies

• 1 cup butter (melted, cooled slightly)
• 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar (500g)
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or sub all-purpose) (190g)
• 1 cup cocoa (95g)
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 1 8 oz package cream cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

For Topping

• 1/2 can cherry pie filling

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily personalize your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.

• Mix in different fruits: Swap out cherry pie filling for blueberry or raspberry for a fun twist!
• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added crunch.
• Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of whole wheat flour for a gluten-free version.
• Try flavored extracts: Experiment with almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by lining a 9×13 pan with tin foil and spraying it with cooking spray. This step makes cleanup so much easier! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Adding eggs and vanilla gives your brownies that rich flavor we all love. Once combined, mix in flour, cocoa, and salt until everything is well incorporated. Don’t worry if the batter seems thick; that’s what makes these brownies fudgy!

Step 3: Layering the Brownies

Spread more than half of your brownie batter into the bottom of the prepared pan. This will create a solid base for our cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Create the Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, egg, vanilla, and sugar until smooth. This creamy mixture will add that luscious cheesecake layer on top of your brownies!

Step 5: Assemble Your Dessert

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base evenly. Then dollop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling on top—don’t worry about spreading it perfectly. Next, drop spoonfuls of remaining brownie batter over the cherries to cover them as best as you can.

Step 6: Bake Your Creation

Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they might still have a slight jiggle when done because of all that gooey goodness underneath! Allow them to cool to room temperature before cutting into bars.

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are sure to be a hit wherever you share them! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Baking these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies can be a delightful experience, especially with a few handy tips to elevate your treat!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with eggs and cream cheese at room temperature ensures a smoother batter. This helps create a creamy cheesecake layer that blends beautifully with the brownie base.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing the brownie batter just until combined helps maintain its fudgy texture. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, which we definitely want to avoid!
• Check for Doneness Carefully: Since these brownies have a gooey layer, they may appear underbaked. Use a toothpick; if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready to come out of the oven.
• Cool Before Cutting: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting makes them easier to slice. If you’re patient enough to refrigerate them for a few hours, you’ll get perfect squares that hold their shape nicely.

How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are not only delicious but also visually stunning! Here are some fun ideas for serving them up.

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, airy element that pairs wonderfully with the rich brownies.
• Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkling some chocolate shavings on top creates an elegant touch and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Fresh Cherries: Adding a few fresh cherries on top not only makes for beautiful presentation but also complements the cherry filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm brownies and cold vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers refreshing flavors that balance out the richness of the brownies. Try mixing berries, melons, and citrus for a colorful dish.
• Coffee or Espresso: A cup of coffee or espresso can be an excellent companion, as its bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the brownies.
• Mint Tea: For those looking for something lighter, mint tea provides a refreshing finish after indulging in these decadent treats.

Enjoy every bite of your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies! Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or savoring them solo, they’re sure to bring joy to your dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delightful dessert throughout the week. With simple storage methods, you can savor these treats whenever the craving strikes!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the brownies to cool completely before storing.
• Cut into bars and place them in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Let the brownies cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm brownies, remove from the fridge or freezer.
• If refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before reheating.
• Microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• For frozen brownies, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as desired.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might come to mind while making Cherry Cheesecake Brownies.

Can I use a different fruit instead of cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite fruit pie filling like blueberry or strawberry. Each variation brings its own unique flavor!

How do I ensure my Cherry Cheesecake Brownies turn out fudgy?

To achieve that perfect fudgy texture, be careful not to overbake them. They should appear set but may still have a slight jiggle in the center when you take them out of the oven.

Can I make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies are great for meal prep! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them as instructed above.

What’s the best way to cut these brownies?

For clean cuts, allow your brownies to cool completely. If you refrigerate them for a few hours, they will cut even more neatly!

Are there any alternatives for cream cheese in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can try using vegan cream cheese or a cashew-based alternative for a similar creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these delectable Cherry Cheesecake Brownies! Their rich chocolate base paired with creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry topping makes them irresistibly special. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet evening treat, these brownies will surely bring smiles all around. Enjoy baking and indulging—happy cooking!