Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of Cherry Cheesecake Brownies! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie that’s swirled with creamy cheesecake and topped with sweet, tart cherry pie filling. It’s like a party for your taste buds! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. My cousin took one bite and declared it the best dessert ever—and trust me, that’s high praise coming from him! The combination of the chocolatey base and luscious cheesecake is just heavenly. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying them with friends and family. You’ll definitely want to grab a few napkins for this one, because it’s going to get deliciously messy!

Ingredients List

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 cup cherry pie filling

How to Prepare Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Alright, let’s dive into making these heavenly Cherry Cheesecake Brownies! Trust me, they’re easier than you think and so worth the little effort. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your brownies to bake evenly. While that’s heating up, grab a saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Keep an eye on it—no one wants burnt butter!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once the butter’s melted, take it off the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix it well until everything is combined and smooth.
Now, add in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined; you don’t want to overmix here. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
Pour half of this glorious brownie batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. This will be the base of your brownies.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s super smooth and creamy. You want it to be spreadable but not runny.
Spread that luscious cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer you just poured. Don’t be shy; make it nice and even!
Now comes the fun part—dollop the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer. Swirl it gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
Finally, pour the rest of the brownie batter on top, covering the cherry layer completely. Smooth it out as best you can!
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let them cool in the pan for a bit before slicing. This cooling time is crucial; it helps the brownies set up nicely!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time—ready in just about 55 minutes!
Decadent flavor combination of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake.
Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great dessert option for everyone.
Perfect for sharing at gatherings, parties, or just a cozy night in.
Deliciously versatile; you can customize with different toppings or flavors!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies turn out absolutely perfect! First, don’t skip the step of letting your ingredients reach room temperature, especially the cream cheese. This will help it blend smoothly into the batter without lumps. When it comes to baking, keep an eye on those brownies during the last few minutes. Every oven is a little different, so check for doneness a few minutes early with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden!

If you’re using a different pan size, just remember that a larger pan will require a shorter baking time, while a smaller one will need a bit longer. And lastly, resist the urge to slice them too soon; letting them cool completely in the pan will make cutting so much easier and keep those layers intact. Trust me, you want to enjoy every delicious bite!

Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? There are so many fun ways to customize your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies! If you’re not a cherry fan, try using fresh strawberries or blueberries instead—they’ll add a lovely pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle in some crushed nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy cheesecake.

Feeling adventurous? Add a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella into the cream cheese layer for a rich twist! Or, for a seasonal touch, fold in some pumpkin puree and spices to give your brownies a warm, fall-inspired vibe. The possibilities are endless!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they’ll probably disappear much faster than that! If you want to enjoy them later, you can also freeze them. Just wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge. No need to reheat—these brownies are just as tasty served chilled! But if you prefer them warm, a quick trip to the microwave for about 10-15 seconds will do the trick!

Nutritional Information

Each mouthwatering serving of these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies is estimated to contain about 250 calories, making them a decadent yet manageable treat. You’ll also find around 12g of fat, including 7g of saturated fat, which gives that rich, indulgent flavor. With 20g of sugar and 32g of carbohydrates, they’re definitely a dessert lover’s dream! Plus, you get a little protein boost at 3g per brownie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so adjust accordingly if you’re counting those macros!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is delicious, you can substitute it with any fruit filling you love—think blueberries, strawberries, or even raspberry. Just make sure it’s not too watery!

What if I don’t have cream cheese?
No worries! You can use mascarpone cheese or even a thick Greek yogurt as a substitute. It’ll alter the flavor a bit, but still give you that creamy texture.

How do I keep my brownies from drying out?
To prevent dryness, avoid overbaking. Start checking for doneness a few minutes early. Also, make sure to let them cool completely in the pan before slicing, which helps them retain moisture.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Of course! Just swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. They’ll turn out just as scrumptious!

How can I make these brownies even more indulgent?
Oh, I love where your head’s at! Try adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter or drizzling melted chocolate on top before serving for an extra decadent touch!

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies: 7 Irresistible Indulgences

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious cherry cheesecake brownies with a rich chocolate base.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
Remove from heat and stir in granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well.
Pour half of the brownie batter into a greased baking pan.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter.
Add dollops of cherry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cherry layer.
Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Use fresh cherries for a different flavor.
Adjust baking time for different pan sizes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, Brownies, Cheesecake, Dessert

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