Can a single dessert truly satisfy your cravings for rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries all at once? Cherry Cheesecake Brownies answer that question with a resounding yes. This indulgent treat combines the fudgy goodness of brownies, the smooth tang of cheesecake, and the fruity burst of cherries into one irresistible bite. Whether you’re preparing for a festive gathering or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Triple Delight: Combines brownies, cheesecake, and cherries in one dessert.
- Easy to Make: Uses a brownie mix for convenience without compromising on taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for holidays, parties, or a special family dessert night.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 (18.3-ounce) family-size brownie mix (e.g., Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge)
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup water (room temperature)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream (cold)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1½ cups cherry pie filling (about ¾ of a 21-ounce can)
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy lifting after baking.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, stir together the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water until well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, use a handheld mixer on low speed to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and flour, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
- Assemble Layers:
- Drop heaping spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, leaving spaces between each dollop.
- Spoon the cherry pie filling into the spaces between the cheesecake dollops.
- Carefully swirl the cheesecake and cherry layers together with a butter knife, avoiding deep mixing to keep the swirls on the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out almost clean. Avoid overbaking.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the cheesecake layer set properly.
Helpful Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the brownie batter just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
- Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerating the brownies makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Brownie Mix: Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe if preferred.
- Fruit Filling: Swap cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry pie filling for a different flavor profile.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the brownie batter for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a certified gluten-free brownie mix and double-check all other ingredients for gluten-free labeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use homemade cherry pie filling? A: Absolutely! Homemade cherry pie filling can add a fresh flavor to the brownies.
Q: How do I store the brownies? A: Keep the brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
Q: Can I freeze these brownies? A: Yes, wrap the cooled brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Place in a sealed container and refrigerate for a maximum of five days.
- Freezer Storage: Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, bringing together the best of brownies, cheesecake, and cherries. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with!
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: The Ultimate Dessert Mashup
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies combine rich brownie mix, a creamy cheesecake swirl, and cherry pie filling into one unforgettable dessert. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet layered treat. Try it now!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
1 (18.3-ounce) family-size brownie mix
3 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup water (room temperature)
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
¾ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup cold heavy cream
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the Cherry Topping:
1½ cups cherry pie filling (about ¾ of a 21-oz can)
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy lifting after baking.
Prepare Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, stir together the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water until well blended. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, use a handheld mixer on low speed to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream, and flour, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
Assemble Layers:
Drop heaping spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, leaving spaces between each dollop.
Spoon the cherry pie filling into the spaces between the cheesecake dollops.
Carefully swirl the cheesecake and cherry layers together with a butter knife, avoiding deep mixing to keep the swirls on the surface.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out almost clean. Avoid overbaking.
Cool and Chill: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to let the cheesecake layer set properly.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother swirl.
Avoid overbaking for best texture.
For clean slices, chill well and wipe the knife between cuts.
Homemade or natural cherry filling can be used.
Use a gluten-free brownie mix and confirm all ingredients for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes Chill Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 45 minutes