Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brownies are the best of both worlds—deep, rich chocolate flavor meets silky cheesecake and bright cherry sweetness. The layered look is impressive, but the process is simple enough for any home baker. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just for yourself, these brownies deliver on texture, taste, and visual appeal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Unsalted butter, melted
• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese, softened
• Powdered sugar
• Cherry pie filling
• Optional: chocolate chips for added richness

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs until light. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, and mix well.
4. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Set aside.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving about ½ cup for the top.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
8. Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, then gently swirl with a knife.
9. Dollop the reserved brownie batter over the top and gently swirl again for a marbled look.
10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
11. Cool completely in the pan, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 9–12 brownies. Prep time is 20 minutes, bake time is 35–40 minutes, and cooling/chilling time is at least 1 hour. Total time: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Variations

• Fresh Cherry Swirl: Use homemade cherry compote instead of canned pie filling.
• Dark Chocolate Brownies: Use dark cocoa powder or add chocolate chips for extra depth.
• Almond Twist: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the cream cheese layer or sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend for a GF version.
• Mini Cheesecake Brownie Bites: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings.

Storage/Reheating

Store cherry cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture, serve chilled or let them come to room temperature. They can also be frozen (sliced or whole) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes, you can use your favorite boxed mix for the base and follow the same method for the cheesecake and cherry layers.

Can I use fresh cherries?

Yes, but cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to make a thick compote first.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The edges should be set, and the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies are even better the next day after chilling.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Overbaking or sudden temperature changes can cause cracking. It won’t affect taste and is often covered by the cherry topping.

Can I skip the cheesecake layer?

Yes, but then you’d have a standard cherry brownie. The cheesecake layer adds a creamy balance to the richness.

Are these brownies very sweet?

They are sweet but well-balanced by the tanginess of the cream cheese and cherries.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and a dairy-free brownie base.

Should these be served cold or room temperature?

They’re best chilled for clean slices, but can be served at room temperature for a softer texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 45–50 minutes.

Conclusion

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a show-stopping treat that’s as satisfying to eat as it is beautiful to serve. With their rich chocolate base, luscious cheesecake center, and cherry swirl topping, they’re perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a dessert that wows with minimal effort. Once you try them, they’ll likely become a favorite in your dessert rotation.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

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Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent dessert combining a fudgy chocolate brownie base, creamy cheesecake layer, and sweet cherry topping. Easy to make and visually impressive, they’re perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 9–12 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup cherry pie filling
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8- or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until light, then add melted butter and vanilla. Mix well.
4. Stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using. Reserve 1/2 cup of batter.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. Spread most of the brownie batter into prepared pan.
7. Spread cream cheese mixture over brownie base.
8. Dollop cherry pie filling on top of cheesecake layer and swirl gently with a knife.
9. Dollop reserved brownie batter on top and swirl again for a marbled look.
10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
11. Cool completely in pan, then chill for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

• Use homemade cherry compote for a fresher flavor.
• Chill before slicing for neat, clean bars.
• Do not overbake to keep the texture moist and fudgy.
• Add almond extract or sliced almonds for a cherry-almond variation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 brownie
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg