These cherry cheesecake brownies are a delicious treat! They have a rich chocolate base topped with creamy cheesecake, all swirled together with sweet cherries. Yum!
I love how these brownies look fancy but are super easy to make. Just mix, swirl, and bake! They’re perfect for when you want to impress friends without too much fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the brownies. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener helps give structure to the brownies. You can swap half or more for brown sugar for deeper flavor, or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index option.
Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa gives the brownies their chocolate flavor. For a richer taste, try dark cocoa powder. In a pinch, you can use melted dark chocolate, adjusting the flour to keep the right consistency.
Cream Cheese: This provides the creamy cheesecake layer. If you need a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. For a non-dairy substitute, use cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese.
Cherries: Fresh pitted cherries are ideal. If they’re out of season, use thawed frozen cherries or even canned cherries, but be sure to drain them well!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Swirl in Your Brownies?
The swirling technique can be tricky, but it’s key for a beautiful presentation. Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture across the brownie batter.
- Scatter the cherries on top of the cheesecake mixture. This will help when you swirl.
- Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through the layers. Don’t overmix; aim for a marble effect.
This technique creates those mouthwatering layers and spots of chocolatey goodness combined with creamy cheesecake and bright cherries! Happy baking!
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownie Base:
- 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 Swirl:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cherry Topping:
- About 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or thawed frozen cherries)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. After baking, it’s best to let the brownies cool completely, which might take an additional hour or so. Overall, expect around 2 hours from start to finish before you can indulge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking those brownies to perfection! Grease or line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. If you choose to line it, leave some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal later.
2. Make the Brownie Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together your melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will create a rich base for your brownies.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring your brownies will rise nicely. Gradually add this dry mix into your wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
4. Pour the Brownie Batter:
Now, pour the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly so that every corner is covered!
5. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. This is where the magic happens! Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. You want it to be nice and fluffy!
6. Layer the Cheesecake Mixture:
Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Feel free to be generous – it’ll all mix beautifully in the end!
7. Add Cherries:
Next, scatter your pitted cherries evenly over the cheesecake dollops. The cherries add a burst of sweetness and flavor to the dish!
8. Swirl It All Together:
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl through the cheesecake and cherry mixtures into the brownie batter. This creates a lovely marbled effect, so make sure to have some fun with it!
9. Bake the Brownies:
Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheesecake topping is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie part comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Serve:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve. Enjoy the fantastic combination of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and juicy cherries!
Can I Use Different Fruits Instead of Cherries?
Absolutely! You can substitute cherries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or even strawberries. Just be sure to adjust the amount to keep the balance of flavors, and remember that different fruits may alter the overall taste and sweetness.
How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to let them come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Freeze These Brownies?
Yes! You can freeze the brownies for up to 3 months. After they cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying!
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute for cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese, ricotta, or a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still get a lovely creamy layer.
