Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Delight in these rich Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, combining the fudgy texture of whole wheat cocoa brownies with a smooth cream cheese layer swirled with sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for a dessert that satisfies your chocolate and fruit cravings in every bite.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies (depending on size) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar (500g)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (190g) (or substitute all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup cocoa powder (95g)
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Cherry Topping
- 1/2 can cherry pie filling (about 7–8 oz)
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with tin foil and spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, whisking until fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt until everything is just incorporated; the batter will be thick.
- Layer Brownie Batter: Spread just over half of the brownie batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, egg, vanilla extract, and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheesecake and Cherry Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter layer. Top this with spoonfuls of cherry pie filling, gently spreading it slightly to distribute evenly.
- Top with Remaining Brownie Batter: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the cherry pie filling layer. It will be difficult to spread evenly; aim to cover much of the filling, smoothing out the batter as best as possible.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is set but may still have a slight jiggle due to the gooey layers beneath. Baking time may vary slightly based on pan type; a dark non-stick pan was used here for 35 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the brownies cool to room temperature before cutting. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for a few hours, though they can be enjoyed warm if you prefer.
Notes
- Using whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases fiber content, but all-purpose flour can be used as a substitute.
- Line the pan with foil and use cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and effortless removal of brownies.
- The slight jiggle in the center after baking is normal due to the cheesecake and cherry layers; the brownies firm up more as they cool.
- For best results, allow brownies to chill in the refrigerator before slicing.
- Adjust cherry pie filling quantity to taste or substitute with fresh cherries for a less sweet topping.
Keywords: cherry cheesecake brownies, chocolate cherry dessert, fudgy brownies with cheesecake, holiday brownies, layered brownies