The aroma of freshly baked Cherry Cheesecake Brownies wafts through the air, teasing your senses with promises of sweet indulgence. Imagine biting into a fudgy brownie layered with velvety cheesecake and topped with plump cherries; it’s pure bliss on a plate.
Every time I whip up these beauties, I’m transported back to summer picnics where my friends would gather around to devour them in record time. It’s the perfect treat for birthdays, holidays, or just a Tuesday that needs a little extra joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cherry cheesecake brownies are incredibly easy to make while delivering an explosion of flavor in every bite
- The stunning visual appeal will impress your guests and elevate any gathering
- Enjoy them warm or chilled; they’re versatile enough for any occasion
- Plus, who doesn’t love a dessert that combines two favorites into one?
I once made these for my family reunion and they disappeared faster than my uncle could tell his infamous dad jokes.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Choose a high-quality cocoa powder for deep chocolate flavor; it makes all the difference in your brownies.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar works best here; it helps create that perfect chewy texture in the brownies.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness; melted butter gives your brownies a rich taste.
- Eggs: Fresh large eggs help bind everything together and add moisture to your delicious creation.
- All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure; avoid using cake flour for denser brownies.
- Vanilla Extract: Always use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor; imitation vanilla just won’t cut it here.
- Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth cheesecake layer; let it sit at room temperature before you start mixing.
- Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in the cream cheese layer; it dissolves easily, ensuring a smooth texture without any graininess.
- Cherries (fresh or canned): If using canned cherries, drain them well to avoid excess liquid; fresh cherries give an amazing burst of flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Create Your Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time and mix well between additions.
Add Cocoa and Flour: Sift cocoa powder and all-purpose flour into the mixture. Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep those brownies fudgy.
Spoon Into Pan: Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Now it’s time to prepare that glorious cheesecake layer!
Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.
Add Cheesecake Layer: Spoon dollops of your cheesecake mixture over the brownie base. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it gently into the brownie batter below.
Add Cherries: Scatter pitted cherries across the top of the cheesecake layer—don’t be shy! Push them slightly into the mixture so they bake perfectly.
Bake Your Creation: Bake in preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with only moist crumbs—not wet batter!
Let cool completely before slicing—if you can resist!
These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are not just desserts—they’re memories waiting to happen! Each bite transports you back to sunny days filled with laughter and good times shared over sweet treats. Enjoy every chewy mouthful topped with creamy goodness—your taste buds will thank you!
You Must Know
- Cherry cheesecake brownies combine rich chocolate and tangy cherry flavors, creating a dessert that’s truly irresistible
- The creamy texture paired with a fudgy brownie base makes these treats a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- Don’t be surprised if they disappear faster than you can say “delicious!”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the brownie batter first, then add the cherry layer before baking. This ensures each bite has that perfect blend of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a delightful twist. You can also add a splash of almond extract for an extra flavor kick in the brownie mix.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use room temperature ingredients; this helps create a smoother batter and better texture
- Avoid overmixing the brownie batter; this keeps them fudgy rather than cake-like
- Lastly, let the brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure neat slices and prevent squished edges
The first time I made cherry cheesecake brownies, my friends devoured them in minutes, leaving me wondering if I should have made a double batch! Their rave reviews convinced me that this recipe was a keeper.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for my cherry cheesecake brownies?
Yes, frozen cherries work well; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
How do I know when my brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
What type of chocolate is best for brownie making?
Use high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder for rich flavor in your brownies.
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: About 12 servings
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful combination of fudgy chocolate brownies, creamy cheesecake, and juicy cherries. Perfect for any occasion, they promise to impress everyone with their rich flavors.
Ingredients
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla extract
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Cherries (fresh or canned)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift in cocoa powder and flour; stir gently until just combined.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Mix in vanilla extract.
- Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and swirl gently with a knife.
- Scatter pitted cherries on top, pressing them slightly into the mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (50g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: For a fruity twist, substitute cherries with raspberries or strawberries. Add a splash of almond extract for an extra flavor kick.