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Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Cherry cheesecake brownie combines rich, fudgy brownies with creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries for the ultimate indulgent dessert. Perfect for parties, holidays, or family nights, this easy recipe delivers layers of irresistible flavor!
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Cherry cheesecake brownies are the ultimate dessert for any occasion! Fudgy brownie layers meet creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries. This irresistible combination creates a rich, decadent treat that everyone will love. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a quiet night in, this recipe delivers flavor in every bite.
This recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the step-by-step guide below. We include photos, directions, and pro tips to ensure perfect results every time. Plus, you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions to make your baking experience stress-free.
This cherry cheesecake brownie recipe combines fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries for a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. You can whip it up anytime, making it a sure crowd-pleaser.
This indulgent treat stands out with its rich layers and irresistible flavor combination. It’s ideal for parties, potlucks, or a cozy dessert night at home.+
Ingredients to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
What you'll need to make cherry cheesecake brownies:
- 1 (18.3-ounce) family-size brownie box mix
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- ¼ cup of water, room temperature
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
- ¾ cup of powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ¼ cup of heavy cream, cold
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups (about ¾ of a 21-ounce can) of cherry pie filling
Substitutions and Additions
Make your cherry cheesecake brownie recipe your own by swapping ingredients or adding tasty extras! Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the fudgy brownie layer.
Substitute Cherries: Swap the cherry topping with raspberry or blueberry filling for a fresh twist on your cheesecake brownies.
Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra richness and a delicious chocolatey surprise.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Follow along with our step-by-step pictures, detailed instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. You’ll create the perfect brownie cherry cheesecake every time. Let’s get started!
FIRST STEP: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 baking pan with a piece of parchment paper (allowing the sides to hang over to easily remove the brownies once baked and cooled). Set aside.
SECOND STEP: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth and completely combined. Do not overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan into an even layer.
THIRD STEP: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer on low, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.
FOURTH STEP: Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour to the cream cheese mixture and continue to cream together for another 1-2 minutes.
FIFTH STEP: Evenly dollop heaping spoonful's of the cream cheese mixture randomly onto the brownie batter. Make sure to leave space between cream cheese dollops for the cherry pie filling.
SIXTH STEP: Evenly dollop the cherry pie filling onto the brownie batter in between the cream cheese. You should still see some of the brownie batter.
SEVENTH STEP: Using a butter knife, gently make swirls of the cream cheese mixture and the cherry pie filling. Make sure not to dip too deeply into the brownie batter layer. You want your cream cheese and cherry pie filling to remain as a top layer to these cherry cheesecake brownies.
How to Bake
EIGHTH STEP: Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the center is set and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the brownie portion should come out almost clean (you should not see raw batter). Do not overbake.
NINTH STEP: Cool your cherry cheesecake brownies in the pan, on the counter, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
How To Serve Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Cherry cream cheese desserts are versatile and work for so many occasions! They're a hit with kids and adults, and you can enjoy them year-round. Here are some fun ways to serve this recipe:
- For Parties and Potlucks: This dessert shines at parties and potlucks with its layered look and rich flavors. Serve it alongside chocolate peanut butter fudge or mini peanut butter cheesecakes for an irresistible dessert spread.
- For Holidays and Special Occasions: Cherry cheesecake brownie feels festive for holidays like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. Pair it with pumpkin cheesecake bars or gingerbread cookies for a holiday-worthy dessert table.
- For Family Nights or Casual Gatherings
This recipe is perfect for family movie nights or casual get-togethers. Serve it with cookie dough ice cream or a warm mug of hot chocolate for an unforgettable treat.
Why You'll Love This Brownie Cherry Cheesecake Recipe
Cherry cheesecake brownies are a delicious dessert that works for any season or occasion. Kids and adults both love its rich, sweet flavors. Here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Perfect for Celebrations and Parties: Bring these brownies to birthday parties or family gatherings for a guaranteed hit. Pair them with chocolate chip cookies or caramel popcorn for a sweet and festive dessert spread.
- Ideal for Holidays and Special Occasions: This dessert feels extra special for holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Easter. Serve it with homemade fudge or peanut butter blossoms to make your holiday dessert table unforgettable.
- Great for Casual Family Nights: These brownies make a cozy dessert for movie nights or simple dinners at home. Enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot mug of cocoa for an indulgent treat everyone will love.
Recipe FAQ
How do you create the perfect cheesecake layer in cherry cheesecake brownies?
Use softened cream cheese for a smooth batter and mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
What’s the secret to making the brownie layer extra fudgy?
Add an extra egg yolk and avoid overbaking for a rich, fudgy texture that pairs perfectly with the cheesecake.
How can you make sure the cherry topping doesn’t overpower the dessert?
Spread the cherry topping evenly and use just enough to balance the flavors without overwhelming the brownies and cheesecake.
What’s the best way to cut cherry cheesecake brownies for clean slices?
Chill the brownies first, then use a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut for neat, professional-looking pieces.
Serving FAQ
What’s the best way to serve cherry cheesecake brownies at a party?
Cut the brownies into small squares for easy serving. Arrange them on a decorative platter for a beautiful display.
Should cherry cheesecake brownies be served chilled or at room temperature?
Serve these brownies chilled for a firm texture or let them sit at room temperature for a softer, creamier bite.
Can I add toppings to cherry cheesecake brownies before serving?
Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to make the dessert even more eye-catching and indulgent.
How do you serve cherry cheesecake brownies for a family night?
Serve these brownies on individual plates with forks for easy eating. Pair them with a fun family activity for added enjoyment.
Storage FAQ
For the best results, follow the tips and directions below for storing, making ahead, and reheating your cherry cheesecake brownies. From preparing it in advance to reheating for later enjoyment, we’ve covered everything you need to know.
Can I prepare cherry cheesecake brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies a day in advance and store them in the fridge. This lets the layers set perfectly.
What’s the best way to store leftover cherry cheesecake brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days.
Can you freeze cherry cheesecake brownies?
Yes, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll last up to a month.
How do I thaw and serve frozen cherry cheesecake brownies?
Thaw slices in the fridge overnight. Serve them chilled or let them sit at room temperature for a softer texture.
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Cherry cheesecake brownie combines rich, fudgy brownies with creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries for the ultimate indulgent dessert. Perfect for parties, holidays, or family nights, this easy recipe delivers layers of irresistible flavor!
Did you try this recipe?Let our readers know how it turned out by Leaving a Review!
Ingredients
- 1 (18.3-ounce) family-size brownie mix ((I used Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge))
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water (room temperature)
- 1½ cups cherry pie filling (Comstock Original Cherry) ((about ¾ of a 21-ounce can))
- 8 ounce cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream (cold)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
DIRECTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 baking pan with a piece of parchment paper (allowing the sides to hang over to easily remove the brownies once baked and cooled). Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth and completely combined. Do not overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan into an even layer.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, using a handheld mixer on low, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar for 1-2 minutes or until smooth.
- Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and all-purpose flour to the cream cheese mixture and continue to cream together for another 1-2 minutes.
- Evenly dollop heaping spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly onto the brownie batter. Make sure to leave space between cream cheese dollops for the cherry pie filling.
- Using the cherry pie filling, repeat step 5 and evenly dollop onto the brownie batter in between the cream cheese. You should still see some of the brownie batter also.
- Using a butter knife, gently make swirls of the cream cheese mixture and the cherry pie filling. Make sure not to dip too deeply into the brownie batter layer. You want your cream cheese and cherry pie filling to remain as a top layer to these cherry cheesecake brownies.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the center is set and not jiggly. A toothpick inserted into the brownie portion should come out almost clean (you should not see raw batter). Do not overbake.
- Cool your cherry cheesecake brownies in the pan, on the counter, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or up to overnight.
Notes
- You are making the box brownie mix for “cake-like” brownies according to box directions and the above ingredients may vary depending on the brand.
- We used a standard commercial cherry pie filling, but you can also use an all-natural brand or even a homemade one. Remember that the more “natural” brands, and even homemade, tend to be a bit darker in color and not have that vibrant red color. They will still taste delicious, though.
- Allow the sides of the parchment paper to hang over to easily remove the brownies once baked and cooled.
- Don’t skip the chilling step as the cheesecake needs time to set.
Nutrition
Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 82mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 447IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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Comments
JUlia Thompson says
Great Delucious
Gwendolyn Wolfe says
Looks good