Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Brownies combine the best of both worlds — the rich, fudgy decadence of brownies paired with a smooth, tangy cheesecake layer and a fruity cherry swirl on top. This dessert is perfect for anyone who loves a bit of variety in their sweets, offering a balance of creamy, chocolaty, and fruity flavors. Ideal for gatherings or a special treat at home, these brownies are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Swirl:

• 1/2 cup cherry pie filling

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
2. Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until fully combined. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the Cherry Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Using a knife or a skewer, swirl the cherry filling into the cream cheese mixture, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake the Brownies: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set (a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs). If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. For cleaner cuts, refrigerate the brownies for 1-2 hours after they cool to room temperature.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 brownies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Different Fruit Swirls: If you’re not a fan of cherries, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings such as strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry.
• Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in chocolate chips or chunks into the brownie batter for an extra boost of chocolatey goodness.
• Cheesecake Flavors: Add lemon zest or a tablespoon of your favorite flavored extract (like almond or hazelnut) to the cheesecake layer for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
• Freezing: These brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To reheat, microwave individual brownies for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling? Yes, fresh cherries can be used, but you’ll need to cook them down into a syrup or jam-like consistency before using them as a swirl.
2. Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies gluten-free.
3. What if I don’t have a 9×9-inch pan? You can use an 8×8-inch pan for slightly thicker brownies or a 10×10-inch pan for thinner brownies. Just keep an eye on the baking time if the pan size differs.
4. Can I use a store-bought brownie mix instead? Absolutely! You can use a store-bought brownie mix to make the base, and then follow the instructions for adding the cheesecake and cherry layers on top.
5. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. In fact, they taste even better after a day or two as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.
6. How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking? Make sure the cheesecake layer is smooth and not overmixed. Also, bake the brownies at the recommended temperature and don’t open the oven door too early during baking.
7. Can I add a chocolate drizzle on top? Yes, a chocolate drizzle would make a great finishing touch. Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cooled brownies for added flavor and decoration.
8. What if my cream cheese filling is too thick? If the cream cheese filling is too thick, you can thin it by adding a tablespoon of milk or cream while beating it to achieve a smoother consistency.
9. Can I use whipped cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese? Regular cream cheese is recommended for this recipe to ensure a thick, rich filling. Whipped cream cheese may make the filling too soft.
10. How can I make these brownies more festive? Add sprinkles, colored sugars, or chopped nuts on top of the brownies before baking, or drizzle with caramel sauce for a holiday or celebratory touch.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent dessert that combines all the best elements of a brownie, cheesecake, and fruit topping in one indulgent treat. With their rich and fudgy brownie base, creamy cheesecake layer, and sweet cherry swirl, they’re the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a family gathering, a special event, or just as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies are sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the delicious harmony of chocolate, cheesecake, and cherry in every bite!

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