Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine rich chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and bursts of sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for a dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to make, they bake up beautifully in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (melted)
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 2 cups of sugar. Add 4 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is well blended.
3. Step 3: Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the brownie batter is smooth and uniform. Spread this batter evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 0.5 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer in the pan. Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans over the cherry filling before baking.
• Substitute raspberry or blueberry pie filling for a different fruity twist.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
• Allow bars to cool fully and chill in the refrigerator for firmer slices and easier cutting.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder?

Using chocolate chips instead of cocoa powder will change the texture and consistency of the brownie batter. If you prefer chocolate chips, melt them with the butter before mixing, but keep in mind this will create a denser brownie base.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Beating the cream cheese mixture until smooth and avoiding overbaking will help prevent cracks. Also, allowing the bars to cool gradually and fully will keep the cheesecake layer intact.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry pie filling. These Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars are an easy-to-make dessert that blends chocolate and tangy cream cheese with fruity cherry topping, baked to perfection in just 30 minutes. Ideal for gatherings or a special treat, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Layer

• 1 cup butter (melted)
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup cocoa powder
• 0.5 tsp salt

Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• 1 cup cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
2. Make the brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and 2 cups of sugar. Add the 4 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring continuously until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until you achieve a smooth and uniform brownie batter. Pour and spread this batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
4. Prepare cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Incorporate 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the mixture, mixing well to combine.
5. Assemble layers: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter layer evenly. Then, carefully drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, distributing them so you get bursts of cherry flavor in every bar.
6. Bake and cool: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are set and the cheesecake topping is firm. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before cutting into bars to serve.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smoother cheesecake layer.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with fresh or frozen cherries in syrup if preferred.
• For cleaner cuts, chill the bars in the refrigerator after cooling before slicing.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars, Cherry Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Chocolate Cherry Bars, Dessert Bars, Easy Dessert Recipe