Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

If you love chocolate and cheesecake, this recipe is about to become your favorite. These brownies have a dense, fudgy base topped with a silky cheesecake layer and finished with luscious cherry pie filling swirled into a beautiful marbled design.

They’re elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough for weeknight baking. The hardest part? Waiting for them to chill before slicing!

Ingredients

Cheesecake Topping

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Brownie Layer

• 1 cup butter
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 13×9-inch pan with foil.
• Lightly spray with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
• Add egg and vanilla.
• Beat until creamy and lump-free.

Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter

• Melt butter and unsweetened chocolate in 30-second intervals.
• Stir until smooth.
• Add sugar, vanilla, and salt.
• Mix in eggs one at a time.
• Fold in flour until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble

• Spread brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
• Spoon cheesecake mixture over the top.
• Add cherry pie filling in spoonfuls.
• Use a knife to gently swirl for a marbled look.

Step 5: Bake

• Bake for 45–50 minutes.
• Edges should be lightly golden.
• Center should slightly jiggle.

Step 6: Chill

• Cool completely.
• Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing.

Serving & Storage Tips

Serving

• Serve chilled for clean slices.
• Use a hot knife (wipe between cuts).
• Top with whipped cream or chocolate drizzle for extra flair.
• Perfect with vanilla ice cream.

Storage

• Store covered in refrigerator up to 5 days.
• Freeze tightly wrapped slices up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.

Variations

1. Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies – Swap cherry filling for strawberry pie filling.
2. Blueberry Swirl Brownies – Use blueberry pie filling for a tangy twist.
3. Raspberry Dark Chocolate – Add dark chocolate chips and raspberry topping.
4. Oreo Cheesecake Brownies – Mix crushed Oreos into cheesecake layer.
5. Chocolate Chip Cheesecake – Add mini chocolate chips to cheesecake mix.
6. Almond Cherry Brownies – Add ½ tsp almond extract for bakery flavor.
7. White Chocolate Swirl – Melt white chocolate into cheesecake mixture.
8. Gluten-Free Version – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
9. Nutty Brownies – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to brownie batter.
10. Triple Chocolate – Add chocolate chips and drizzle melted chocolate on top.
11. Mini Cheesecake Brownie Cups – Bake in muffin tin for individual portions.
12. Chocolate Ganache Topping – Pour ganache over chilled brownies.
13. Lemon Cheesecake Cherry Bars – Add lemon zest to cheesecake layer.
14. Black Forest Style – Add chocolate shavings and whipped cream topping.
15. Marbled Cheesecake Only – Skip fruit for classic cheesecake brownies.

FAQs

1. Do I need to refrigerate them?
Yes, because of the cheesecake layer.

2. Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Prepare according to package directions.

3. Why are my brownies cracking?
Overbaking can cause cracking.

4. Can I use fresh cherries?
Yes, cook them down with sugar and cornstarch first.

5. Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

6. How do I get clean slices?
Use a warm knife and wipe between cuts.

7. Can I reduce the sugar?
You may slightly reduce, but texture may change.

8. Can I make them ahead?
Yes, they’re even better the next day.

9. Why is the center jiggly?
Cheesecake continues setting while chilling.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger sheet pan and adjust baking time.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect dessert when you want something rich, creamy, and irresistibly chocolatey. With their stunning marbled top and luscious cherry swirl, they look impressive but are surprisingly easy to make. Whether for holidays, birthdays, or just because, these brownies are guaranteed to disappear fast!

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