Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

There’s something truly magical about the combination of cherries, cheesecake, and brownies. These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a dessert that perfectly blends rich, fudgy brownie goodness with the creamy delight of cheesecake and a burst of sweet-tart cherries. I first made these on a whim for a weekend family get-together, looking for something a little extra special but not overly complicated. The result? Let’s just say there were no leftovers!

My kids were wide-eyed as they took their first bites, their little hands covered in chocolate and cherry drizzle. My husband, who usually isn’t a big dessert guy, even went back for seconds (and thirds!). These brownies hit all the right notes: indulgent, sweet, and just a tad messy in the best way possible.

What I love about this recipe is how it combines the decadence of multiple desserts into one harmonious treat. The contrast between the rich brownie base and the smooth cheesecake layer, topped with juicy cherries and a drizzle of chocolate, makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a bake sale, or just a treat-yourself weekend, these brownies are sure to be a hit.

I’m convinced this recipe will become a go-to in your household just like it did in mine. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be asked to make them over and over. Ready to see what the hype is all about? Let’s bake!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.

How do I store these brownies?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! They taste even better after chilling in the fridge overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Mascarpone cheese works well as a substitute, though it will give a slightly different flavor.

Do I have to add the chocolate drizzle?
Not at all! They’re delicious on their own, but the drizzle adds an extra layer of indulgence.

What You Need to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients:

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

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or frozen, thawed, and drained)

2 tablespoons cherry preserves or jam

For the Chocolate Drizzle:

1/4 cup (60g) semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 tablespoon heavy cream

Special Tools:

8×8 inch baking pan

Parchment paper

Hand mixer or stand mixer

Spatula

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer and gently spread it out.

Add the Cherries: Distribute the halved cherries over the cheesecake layer. Warm the cherry preserves slightly and drizzle over the cherries for extra flavor.

Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.

Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips with the heavy cream in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled brownies.

Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Best Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Stir until just combined for the best texture.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth cheesecake layer.

Use Good Quality Chocolate: For the drizzle, quality chocolate makes a big difference in flavor.

Add a Twist: Feel free to add a splash of almond extract to the cherry topping for an extra layer of flavor.

Make it Ahead: These brownies taste even better the next day, so they’re perfect for prepping ahead of time.

Reader Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These were a huge hit at my daughter’s birthday party! The combination of brownie, cheesecake, and cherries is heavenly.” — Emily

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I’m not usually a baker, but this recipe was easy to follow and turned out perfectly. My family loved it!” — John

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Delicious! Next time, I might add a bit more cherry topping for an even fruitier flavor.” — Sarah

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Really good, but I found the chocolate drizzle a bit too rich. Skipped it the second time and loved it more.” — Linda

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Perfect for bake sales! Everyone asked for the recipe.” — Jessica

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

If these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies brought a smile to your face (and your taste buds), I’d love for you to share this recipe with your friends and family! Whether it’s on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, spreading the joy of good food is one of the best ways to connect. Tag me so I can see your creations and celebrate with you!