Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these cherry cheesecake brownies! They’re the ultimate dessert that marries the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the smooth, creamy decadence of cheesecake. Just imagine biting into a luscious brownie, only to discover a velvety layer of cheesecake that’s topped with sweet, tart cherry pie filling. It’s like a little piece of heaven in every bite! Trust me, you won’t just want one—you’ll be sneaking back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these brownies are sure to impress. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients List
Before we get started, let’s gather everything you’ll need for these scrumptious cherry cheesecake brownies. Here’s your shopping list:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: This gives the brownies their structure, making them perfectly chewy.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- 1/2 cup butter, melted: Adds moisture and helps create that fudgy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens things up perfectly!
- 2 large eggs: These will bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor to another level.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: This is the star of the show, creating that creamy cheesecake layer.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar: For added sweetness in the cream cheese layer.
- 1 cup cherry pie filling: The delightful, fruity topping that makes these brownies pop!
How to Prepare Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—making these cherry cheesecake brownies! Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a delicious treat in no time.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial so that your brownies bake evenly!
- While that’s heating up, grease a 9×9 inch baking pan to ensure your brownies come out easily later.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined and you see a smooth batter.
- Now, pour half of this rich brownie mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. This will be the base layer.
- In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. This is your creamy cheesecake layer!
- Spread this luscious cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer, being careful to cover it well.
- Next, spoon the remaining brownie mixture over the cream cheese layer and swirl it gently to create a marbled effect. Don’t overdo it—just a few swirls will do!
- Finally, dollop that delightful cherry pie filling on top, spreading it out as much as you like.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You want the edges to look set but the center to still be a little soft—trust me, it’ll firm up as it cools.
- Once done, let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cherry cheesecake brownies are a total game-changer! Here’s why you’ll love making them:
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in no time.
- Rich Flavors: The combination of chocolatey brownies, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherry topping creates a flavor explosion!
- Crowd-Pleasing: They’re a guaranteed hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Beautiful Presentation: The marbled effect and vibrant cherry topping make these brownies look as good as they taste.
- Versatile Treat: You can enjoy them warm, chilled, or even a la mode with a scoop of ice cream!
Tips for Success
To make your cherry cheesecake brownies truly unforgettable, here are some pro tips I swear by:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Always go for high-quality cocoa powder and fresh cream cheese. It really makes a difference in flavor!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies!
- Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on them in the oven. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter, for that perfect fudgy texture.
- Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting for cleaner squares.
- Garnish with Style: Consider drizzling some chocolate or adding extra cherries on top for a beautiful finish that wows!
Variations
Ready to mix things up with your cherry cheesecake brownies? Here are some fun variations to try that’ll keep your taste buds dancing:
- Different Fruit Fillings: Swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry, raspberry, or even strawberry for a fruity twist!
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mix in some melted chocolate or chocolate chips into the cream cheese layer for a double chocolate delight.
- Minty Fresh: A few drops of mint extract in the cream cheese mixture can add a refreshing kick!
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate on top before serving for a touch of elegance and sweetness.
Feel free to get creative—these brownies are a fantastic base for your favorite flavors!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cherry cheesecake brownies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to five days—if they last that long! If you want to make them ahead of time, you can also freeze them. Just wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about two months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. No need to reheat, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it—nobody wants a rubbery brownie!
Nutritional Information
These cherry cheesecake brownies are not only delicious but also pack some key nutritional values. Each brownie has approximately 250 calories, with 12g of fat, 3g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates. They also contain around 20g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy each bite without guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these cherry cheesecake brownies? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries that might help you out:
Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is delightful, you can swap it for any fruit filling you love—think blueberry, raspberry, or peach for a fun twist!
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
If you’re in a pinch, you can use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but the flavor and texture will differ a bit.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter—this ensures a fudgy texture!
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld!
What’s the best way to serve them?
These brownies are fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate them, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that extra indulgence!
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: 5 Layers of Decadent Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry cheesecake brownies with a creamy layer on top.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour half of the brownie mixture into the pan.
- In another bowl, blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer.
- Top with remaining brownie mixture and swirl gently.
- Add cherry pie filling on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh cherries for a different flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: cherry cheesecake brownies, dessert, brownies, cheesecake
