Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe: Fudgy Sweet Treats

Sweet magic happens when rich chocolate brownies meet creamy cherry cheesecake in a decadent dessert.

Layers of intense flavor promise pure indulgence for anyone craving something extraordinary.

Each bite combines smooth cheesecake with fudgy brownie goodness that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Dark chocolate and bright cherries create an unexpected harmony that feels both classic and innovative.

Swirls of crimson fruit peek through dense chocolate, making this dessert a visual stunner.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques mean you can craft this impressive treat without stress.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience dessert bliss that will become your new favorite indulgence.

Why People Enjoy Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

  • This cherry cheesecake brownie recipe requires simple mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master effortlessly.
  • The combination of rich chocolate brownies, creamy cheesecake, and tangy cherry topping creates a showstopping treat that will impress family and friends at gatherings.
  • These brownies can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them ideal for potlucks, dessert tables, or weekend gatherings without last-minute stress.
  • The marbled swirl technique adds visual appeal and allows for easy customization with different fruit fillings or flavor variations to suit personal preferences.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Ingredient List

Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the brownie base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the brownies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with brownie texture in both layers.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and creates a smooth, rich consistency.
  • Butter: Creates moistness and adds richness to the brownie layer.
Baking Additives:
  • Baking Powder: Helps brownies rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Cheesecake and Topping Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy layer with smooth texture. Best when softened at room temperature.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to both brownie and cheesecake layers.
  • Cherry Pie Filling: Provides fruity sweetness and vibrant color. Strain for a cleaner presentation.

How to Prepare Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan. Lightly grease the pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

Ingredients for brownie layer:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour
  • Salt
  • Baking powder

Whisk butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Sift dry ingredients and fold gently into wet mixture. Avoid overworking the batter. Spread evenly across prepared pan.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Ingredients for cheesecake layer:
  • Cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese until silky. Incorporate sugar, egg, and vanilla. Mix until totally incorporated and velvety smooth. Carefully pour over brownie foundation, creating an even layer.

Step 4: Decorate with Cherry Swirl

Drain cherry pie filling. Dollop cherries across cheesecake surface. Use a knife to create beautiful marble patterns, blending cherries into creamy layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place pan in preheated oven. Bake until center sets and toothpick reveals slightly moist crumbs. Remove and let cool completely.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

Allow brownies to rest at room temperature. Refrigerate for minimum two hours. Cut into delectable squares. Store remaining treats in refrigerator.

Tips to Nail Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh cream cheese and ripe cherries for the most vibrant flavor and smooth texture in your brownies.
  • Prevent Cracking Cheesecake: Avoid overbaking by removing the brownies when the center still has slight movement; the residual heat will continue cooking.
  • Achieve Clean Cuts: Refrigerate brownies completely before slicing and use a hot, clean knife wiped between each cut for neat, professional-looking squares.
  • Customize Fruit Options: Swap cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different seasonal twist on the classic recipe.
  • Control Sweetness Levels: Reduce sugar in cheesecake layer if using sweetened cherry filling to balance overall dessert sweetness and prevent excessive sugary taste.

How to Store Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

  • Store leftover cherry cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Warm refrigerated brownies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheesecake layer from becoming rubbery.
  • For the best texture and flavor, serve these brownies cold directly from the refrigerator, letting them sit at room temperature for just 5 minutes before eating.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Pairing Guide

  • Select a rich port or late harvest Riesling that matches the dessert's intense cherry and chocolate flavors, balancing the richness with subtle sweetness.
  • Brew a robust espresso or dark roast coffee to cut through the creamy cheesecake layer and enhance the brownie's deep chocolate notes.
  • Serve alongside a cold glass of milk or creamy vanilla milkshake to soften the dessert's richness and provide a smooth, cooling counterpoint.
  • Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to highlight the dessert's layers, providing temperature variation and complementary creamy texture.

Ways to Customize Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Gluten-Free Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same rich texture while making the dessert safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Vegan Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use vegan cream cheese, replace butter with coconut oil, and choose plant-based egg replacer to create a dairy-free and egg-free version.

Low-Sugar Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the decadent flavor profile for health-conscious individuals.

Chocolate-Free Cherry Cheesecake Bars: Eliminate cocoa powder and replace brownie base with a graham cracker crust, creating a lighter alternative that still showcases the creamy cheesecake and tangy cherry elements.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies FAQs

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Fresh cherries require extra prep. Pit and chop them, then cook with sugar to create a compote before adding to the cheesecake layer. This ensures the right consistency and sweetness.

  • How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and don’t overbake. Bake at a consistent temperature and let the brownies cool gradually. Using room temperature ingredients also helps prevent cracking.

  • Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use a 1:1 ratio replacement and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

  • Can I freeze Cherry Cheesecake Brownies?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

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Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent cherry cheesecake brownies meld rich chocolate with creamy cheesecake swirls and luscious cherry notes. Sweet layers of decadence promise pure dessert bliss that satisfies chocolate and fruit lovers alike.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese
  • 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling

Baking Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup (35g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon baking powder

Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by greasing a 9×13-inch pan or lining it with parchment paper, then set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
  2. Craft the decadent brownie foundation by whisking melted butter with granulated sugar until thoroughly integrated. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
  3. Sift cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder into the wet ingredients, gently folding until just combined to maintain a rich, fudgy texture. Distribute the batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating a smooth base layer.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, transform cream cheese into a velvety mixture by beating until creamy. Blend in granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform and luxurious cheesecake layer.
  5. Carefully cascade the cream cheese mixture over the brownie foundation, creating a pristine white canvas atop the chocolate base.
  6. Artfully scatter strained cherry pie filling across the cheesecake surface, then use a knife or toothpick to create elegant marbled swirls that intertwine the ruby-red cherries with the creamy backdrop.
  7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the dessert to bake for 35-40 minutes. The ideal doneness is revealed when the center sets firmly and a toothpick emerges with minimal moist crumbs.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. Enhance the flavor and texture by chilling in the refrigerator for at least two hours before slicing into delectable squares. Preserve any remaining portions in the refrigerator for continued enjoyment.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, most decadent texture and flavor in the cheesecake portion.
  • Drain cherry pie filling thoroughly to prevent excess liquid from making the brownies soggy and compromising the texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, maintaining the same measurement.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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