Have you ever wondered how to elevate a classic brownie into a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort? Enter the Maraschino Cherry Cream Cheese Brownies—a delightful fusion of rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and sweet maraschino cherries. This recipe combines the convenience of a boxed brownie mix with the elegance of a homemade cheesecake swirl, resulting in a treat that’s both easy to prepare and impressive to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of fudgy chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries creates a balanced and indulgent flavor profile.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant red cherries against the creamy white swirl atop the dark brownie base make for an eye-catching dessert.
- Ease of Preparation: Utilizing a boxed brownie mix simplifies the process, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
- Versatility: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a special treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 3 oz (from 8-oz package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons maraschino cherries, chopped, drained, and patted dry
- 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
- 1 egg, separated (reserve yolk for brownie batter)
For the Brownie Layer:
- One 16-ounce box of Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix
- Water, vegetable oil, and egg as called for on the brownie mix box
- Reserved egg yolk
How to Make Maraschino Cherry Cream Cheese Brownies
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, or 325°F if you’re using a dark or nonstick baking pan. Grease the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add flour, chopped cherries, cherry juice, and egg white; mix until well blended. Set aside.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Make brownie batter as directed on the box, incorporating the reserved egg yolk. Reserve 3/4 cup of the batter; set aside.
- Assemble: Spread the remaining brownie batter in the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling by tablespoonfuls evenly over the batter, creating a 3×3 grid. Drop roughly 1 tablespoon of the saved brownie batter into the center of each cream cheese spoonful. Use a knife to draw through the mixture in four straight lines horizontally, then vertically, to create a swirled design.
- Bake: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the side of the pan comes out almost clean.
- Cool and Chill: Cool the brownies in the pan on a cooling rack for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or until fully set.
- Serve: Slice into a 4-by-4 grid to yield 16 even brownie squares. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Helpful Tips
- Dry Cherries Thoroughly: Ensure maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to create a smoother filling.
- Swirling Technique: For a more pronounced swirl, use a toothpick or skewer to create intricate patterns.
Substitutions and Variations
- Brownie Mix: While the recipe calls for Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix, any fudgy brownie mix can be used.
- Cherries: If maraschino cherries aren’t available, consider using candied cherries or cherry pie filling, adjusting the sugar accordingly.
- Add-Ins: Incorporate chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the brownie batter for added texture.
- Flavor Enhancements: Enhance the flavor by adding a dash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to substitute fresh cherries for maraschino cherries?
Yes, but ensure they are pitted, chopped, and cooked down slightly with sugar to mimic the sweetness and texture of maraschino cherries.
How do I store these brownies?
Keep the brownies fresh by storing them in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days.
Can these brownies be frozen?
Yes, wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for long-term storage. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in a tightly sealed container and consume within five days.
- Freezing: Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for long-term storage.
Conclusion
Maraschino Cherry Cream Cheese Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining the rich flavors of chocolate, cream cheese, and cherries into a harmonious treat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe offers a perfect balance of taste and visual appeal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience or explore our other delicious recipes!
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Maraschino Cherry Cream Cheese Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Maraschino Cherry Cream Cheese Brownies blend rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake swirls, and sweet cherries into one irresistible dessert. A quick, visually stunning recipe that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions. Try it now and impress your guests!
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Filling:
3 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 tbsp maraschino cherries, chopped, drained, and patted dry
1 tsp maraschino cherry juice
1 egg, separated (reserve yolk for brownies)
Brownies:
One 16 oz box Betty Crocker™ Delights Supreme Original Brownie Mix
Water, vegetable oil, and egg as listed on the mix box
Reserved egg yolk from filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, or 325°F if you’re using a dark or nonstick baking pan. Grease the bottom of a 9-inch square pan with shortening or cooking spray.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add flour, chopped cherries, cherry juice, and egg white; mix until well blended. Set aside.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Make brownie batter as directed on the box, incorporating the reserved egg yolk. Reserve 3/4 cup of the batter; set aside.
- Assemble: Spread the remaining brownie batter in the prepared pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling by tablespoonfuls evenly over the batter, creating a 3×3 grid. Drop roughly 1 tablespoon of the saved brownie batter into the center of each cream cheese spoonful. Use a knife to draw through the mixture in four straight lines horizontally, then vertically, to create a swirled design.
- Bake: Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the side of the pan comes out almost clean.
- Cool and Chill: Cool the brownies in the pan on a cooling rack for 30 minutes. Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or until fully set.
- Serve: Slice into a 4-by-4 grid to yield 16 even brownie squares. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother swirl.
Ensure cherries are well-drained and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
For extra flavor, add a splash of almond extract to the filling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes + Time: 1 hour chilling
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 2g