why make this recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful treat that combines two favorite desserts into one. The rich chocolate flavor of the brownies pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry topping. This dessert is not only indulgent but also easy to make, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can impress your friends and family with these delicious brownies.
how to make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients:
- 18 ounces family-size brownie mix (e.g., Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water until combined. Pour into prepared pan.
- In another bowl, cream together cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, heavy cream, and flour; mix until combined.
- Dollop cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter. Follow with dollops of cherry pie filling, leaving space in between.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese and cherry filling without mixing too deeply.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the center is set. Cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
how to serve Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Once your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are chilled and set, cut them into squares for easy serving. You can serve them plain or dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch. For a fun presentation, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
how to store Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can also freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
tips to make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the brownie batter; just mix until ingredients are combined.
- Use a gentle hand when swirling the cream cheese and cherry filling to maintain the pretty layers.
- You can personalize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter.
variation
You can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a different flavor twist. You can also use a homemade brownie recipe instead of the mix if you prefer from-scratch baking.
FAQs
Can I use another type of fruit filling?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or even peach.
Do I need to chill the brownies before serving?
Yes, chilling them for at least 3 hours helps the flavors meld together and makes slicing easier.
Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
You can try using dark chocolate brownie mix for a richer flavor or even a gluten-free mix if you need a gluten-free version.
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
Brownie Mix Ingredients
- 18 ounces family-size brownie mix (e.g., Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water (room temperature)
Cheesecake and Cherry Topping Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature) Ensure it’s at room temperature for easier mixing.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling Can substitute with other fruit fillings.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until combined, then pour into the prepared pan.
Cheesecake Mixture
- In another bowl, cream together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, heavy cream, and flour, then mix until combined.
Swirl and Bake
- Dollop the cream cheese mixture onto the brownie batter followed by dollops of cherry pie filling, leaving space in between.
- Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese and cherry filling without mixing too deeply.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes until the center is set, then let cool and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.