Quick and Creamy Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Cherry cheesecake brownies are the kind of dessert that makes you pause because they feel comforting familiar and incredibly delicious. They blend the deep chocolate flavor of fudgy brownies with the creamy richness of cheesecake and the bright sweetness of cherry topping which creates a soft smooth and indulgent treat that looks impressive yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. The layers melt together beautifully and the recipe comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients so you do not need special tools or advanced skills. These brownies stay moist for days the cheesecake swirl remains creamy and the cherry topping adds a fresh fruity burst that balances the chocolate without feeling heavy making this dessert perfect for family gatherings holidays potlucks or quiet evenings when you want something sweet.

Ingredients Needed

For the brownie layer

• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 0.33 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 0.5 cup all purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cheesecake layer

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 0.33 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cherry topping

• 1 cup cherry pie filling

Step by Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the brownie base

Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare an 8 inch pan with parchment. Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in flour, cocoa, and salt. Spread most batter in the pan, saving a little for the swirl.

Make the cheesecake mixture

Place the cream cheese in a bowl and beat until smooth. Add sugar, then the egg and vanilla, mixing until creamy and lump free. Pour over the brownie layer and spread evenly.

Add the cherry topping and swirl

Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer. Drop small dollops of the reserved brownie batter on top and gently swirl with a skewer or knife, keeping the layers distinct.

Bake the brownies

Bake the pan for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. Let it cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours to firm up the layers for clean slicing.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

This recipe is easy to customize. Add 2 tablespoons extra cocoa for richer chocolate or 2 tablespoons sour cream for a creamier cheesecake. Swap the cherry topping with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry, and sprinkle nuts on the brownie layer for crunch. You can also add chocolate or white chocolate chips, or reduce sugar slightly for a lighter dessert.

Nutritional Information

These numbers are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories, 14 grams of total fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 34 grams of carbohydrates, 24 grams of sugars, and 4 grams of protein. This dessert is rich, sweet, and satisfying, so a small piece goes a long way and is meant to be enjoyed slowly and savored.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry cheesecake brownies are delicious both chilled and at room temperature. For a firmer texture, serve them straight from the refrigerator, or let them sit on the counter for fifteen minutes for a softer, fudgy bite. They pair perfectly with coffee or cold milk, and for a fancier presentation, place a square on a plate and drizzle extra cherry topping around it. You can also serve them warm by microwaving a square for a few seconds, which softens the chocolate and makes the cheesecake layer creamy. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream turns it into a dessert that feels like it came from a restaurant. These brownies are ideal for gatherings since they can be sliced into small squares, and their marbled cherry pattern always looks beautiful on any table.

Frequently Asked Questions