Description
Delight in the rich and decadent Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, featuring a fudgy chocolate brownie base layered with creamy cheesecake swirls and topped with luscious cherry pie filling. This dessert combines the best of chocolate, cheesecake, and sweet cherries for a perfect treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Scale
For the brownie base:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cherry topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or fresh cherries, pitted and chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the brownie batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet brownie mixture until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Assemble brownie layer: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly to form a smooth base.
- Make the cheesecake mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract then continue beating until well incorporated.
- Add cheesecake layer: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the cheesecake and brownie layers together creating a marbled effect.
- Add cherry topping: Spoon the cherry pie filling or fresh chopped cherries evenly over the cheesecake layer to add a fruity burst of flavor.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, indicating the brownies are perfectly baked.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares to serve. This helps the layers set for clean slices.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- For an extra chocolatey touch, sprinkle some chocolate chips between the brownie and cheesecake layers.
- You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries for a more natural fruit flavor.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allowing the brownies to cool completely before slicing prevents crumbling and maintains the marbled pattern.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
