Let me tell you, these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are an absolute game-changer! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie that’s swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer and topped with sweet, tangy cherry pie filling. It’s like a party in your mouth! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering; they vanished within minutes. Everyone was raving about how the chocolatey base perfectly complements the smooth cheesecake and the burst of cherries on top. Trust me, once you taste this delightful combination of flavors and textures, you won’t want to share! They’re perfect for any occasion—or just a cozy night in where you deserve something special. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
How to Prepare Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want it nice and hot when your brownies are ready to go in. While it’s warming up, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and grease it well with some butter or nonstick spray. This way, your brownies will slide right out when they’re done, and nobody wants to deal with broken pieces, right?
Create the Brownie Base
Now, let’s make the brownie base! In a medium saucepan, melt that delicious cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it; we don’t want it to burn! Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is mixed together really well. Next, sift in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined; you don’t want to overmix it. It’ll be thick and glorious!
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, it’s time to make the cheesecake layer. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until it’s super smooth and creamy. You want it to be fluffy but not too airy. If you have a hand mixer, that works like a charm! If not, a good old whisk will do the trick—just put some muscle into it!
Layering the Ingredients
Now comes the fun part! Pour half of your brownie batter into the greased pan and spread it out evenly. Then, gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just try to spread it out a bit. Now, add dollops of cherry pie filling on top of that cream cheese layer. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter over everything, making sure to cover those cherries. It’s okay if some cherries peek through—trust me, it adds to the charm!
Baking and Cooling
Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake those beauties for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top looks set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter! Once they’re out, let them cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. Patience is key here; they’ll be easier to cut and taste even better once they’ve cooled a bit. Enjoy the anticipation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible flavor combination of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries.
- Easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients—no fancy equipment needed!
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in with loved ones.
- Decadent yet approachable, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Can be made ahead of time, so you can enjoy stress-free entertaining.
- Fun to customize with different fruit toppings or even a drizzle of chocolate.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to get you there:
- Quality Ingredients: Use real unsweetened cocoa powder for that deep chocolate flavor. And don’t skimp on the butter—unsalted butter is the way to go for better control over the sweetness.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the powdered sugar, giving you a creamy cheesecake layer without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the brownie batter, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and we want them fudgy and soft!
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the brownies; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s completely clean, you might’ve overbaked them a tad. Trust your instincts on this one!
- Cool Before Cutting: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the brownies cool for at least 15-20 minutes will make slicing them into squares so much easier, and they’ll hold their shape better.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to mix things up! You can swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberries or raspberries, or even add a sprinkle of nuts for a little crunch!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to serving up some truly delicious brownies that everyone will rave about!
FAQ Section
Can I use different fruit for the topping?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is a classic, you can swap it out for blueberries, raspberries, or even diced fresh strawberries. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose!
How do I store leftovers?
Store your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re like me and can’t resist them, they might not last that long!
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for about 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying them again!
What’s the best way to cut these brownies?
To get those perfect squares, use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts. I like to dip it in hot water and wipe it dry; it helps make smooth cuts through the fudgy layers!
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go! Just check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each delicious serving of these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, but this will give you a good idea:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 3g
This creamy, chocolatey treat packs a delightful punch while still being a bit indulgent. Enjoy every bite, and remember that treating yourself is all part of the fun in baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies properly will keep them fresh and delicious for days! First, let them cool completely in the pan before transferring. Once cool, you can slice them into squares and store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay good in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’re anything like me, they probably won’t last that long!
If you want to keep them for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be frozen for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, just thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat if you enjoy them cold, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Trust me, that warm, fudgy center is pure bliss!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: 5 Reasons You’ll Love Them
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry cheesecake brownies with a rich chocolate base.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased baking pan.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter.
- Add dollops of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cherry layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh cherries for a different flavor.
- Adjust baking time for different pan sizes.
- 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: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, Brownies, Cheesecake, Dessert