Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect mix of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake, topped with sweet cherry goodness! They are simple to make and oh-so-delicious.
Honestly, who can resist that swirl of cheesecake on top? I sometimes find myself eating an extra piece (or two)! 😅 Enjoy them chilled, and they’re even tastier!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control over the sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use salted butter but just reduce the extra salt in the recipe.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives that deep chocolate flavor. If you want a slightly sweeter taste, you could try using Dutch-processed cocoa, but adjust the sugar accordingly.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth cheesecake layer. You can swap it with mascarpone for a richer taste, but remember it may be creamier and slightly less tangy.
Cherries: Fresh cherries give the best flavor, but you can use canned or frozen cherries if that’s what you have. Just make sure to drain them well if canned, or thaw and dry them if frozen.
How Do I Get the Perfect Brownie Texture?
Getting that fudgy brownie texture is crucial, so pay attention to mixing and baking. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make brownies tough.
- Use room temperature eggs to ensure they mix well.
- Bake until the edges look set but the middle still has a slight jiggle.
- Let them cool in the pan before chilling. This helps them firm up nicely and makes cutting easier.
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 cup pitted cherries, halved or whole dark sweet cherries (fresh or thawed if frozen)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes approximately 15-20 minutes for preparation, along with 40-45 minutes for baking, plus at least 2 hours for cooling in the refrigerator. Perfect for making ahead of time for gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven and prepare pan:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper or grease it well with butter for easy removal later.
2. Make the brownie batter:
In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Then, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, and gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Remember, don’t overmix!
3. Prepare the cheesecake layer:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Add in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and fluffy.
4. Assemble the brownie:
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Next, pour and smooth out the cheesecake layer on top of the brownie batter. Lastly, add the pitted cherries on top, gently pushing them into the cheesecake layer.
5. Swirl the layers (optional):
If you’d like a marbled look, use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the two layers together, but don’t overdo it!
6. Bake:
Place the brownies in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and a toothpick inserted in the brownie part comes out with moist crumbs.
7. Cool and chill:
Once done, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to make cutting them easier.
8. Serve:
Cut into squares and serve these delicious cherry cheesecake brownies cold for the best texture! They will keep well in the refrigerator. Enjoy the perfect blend of chocolate, cheesecake, and sweet cherries!
Can I Use Different Types of Cherries?
Absolutely! While fresh dark sweet cherries yield the best flavor, you can also use canned cherries (just ensure they’re well-drained) or frozen cherries. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before adding to the topping.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a creamier texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To maintain their freshness, consider placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Brownies in Advance?
Definitely! You can prepare and bake the brownies a day ahead. Just be sure to store them in the fridge after cooling, and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
