Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: A Decadent Dessert You’ll Love

If you love the combination of chocolate brownies and creamy cheesecake, this dessert will be your new favorite! Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent treat that combines the richness of a chocolate brownie with a velvety, tangy cheesecake filling, topped with sweet, juicy cherries. The result is a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy both your chocolate cravings and your desire for something creamy and fruity.

Perfect for gatherings, parties, or just a simple indulgence, these brownies are a showstopper and a great way to impress your guests. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this irresistible treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Favorite Desserts in One: Enjoy the best of both worlds with a chocolatey brownie base and a creamy cheesecake topping.
Sweet and Tangy Cherry Topping: The fresh cherries add a pop of color and a burst of flavor that complements the richness of the brownies.
Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, this dessert is easy to put together.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a party, or just craving something special, these brownies are ideal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies store well, making them perfect for meal prep or an easy dessert to serve in advance.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or use cherry pie filling for convenience)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

Make the Brownie Layer

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it into an even layer.

Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and flour, and mix until fully incorporated.
3. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the brownie batter and cheesecake together for a marbled effect.

Bake the Brownies

1. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cheesecake layer should be set, and the brownie layer should be cooked through.
2. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Make the Cherry Topping

1. While the brownies are cooling, prepare the cherry topping.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juice and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Assemble and Serve

1. Once the brownies have cooled, spread the cherry topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
2. Cut into squares and serve.
3. For a firmer texture, refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Brownie)

Calories: 250 | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 14g | Protein: 4g | Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries give the topping a sweet and slightly tart flavor, but cherry pie filling can be used as a shortcut.
• Let the Brownies Cool Completely: This ensures that the cheesecake layer sets properly and prevents the topping from mixing in with the batter.
• Swirl for a Marbled Effect: Gently swirl the brownie batter and cheesecake to create a beautiful marbled pattern.
• Make Ahead: These brownies can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing the flavors to develop even more.
• Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, top these brownies with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Why This Recipe Works

• Layered Dessert Perfection: The combination of a fudgy brownie base, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet cherry topping makes every bite delightful.
• Balanced Flavors: The richness of the brownie and cheesecake layers is balanced by the fresh, tart cherries on top.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow with minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under an hour.
• Versatile: You can easily swap the cherries for other fruits, such as raspberries or strawberries, if you prefer.

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a must-try for anyone who loves a combination of creamy, fruity, and chocolatey flavors. The layers of fudgy brownies and smooth cheesecake create the perfect texture, while the fresh cherry topping adds the ideal touch of sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special, these brownies are sure to be a hit.

Indulge in these irresistible brownies today, and experience the magic of creamy cheesecake and rich chocolate brownies together in every bite!