Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Fudgy brownies meet creamy cheesecake swirls and tart cherry jam in this decadent dessert mashup. Discover why this viral recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

These aren’t your average brownies. The magical trio of textures—dense chocolate base, velvety cheesecake, and fruity cherry topping—creates a dessert that disappears faster than you can preheat the oven. Here’s what makes them extraordinary:

1. The Ultimate Flavor Combination

Chocolate and cherry is a timeless pairing, but the addition of cheesecake takes it to luxury dessert status. Each bite delivers:

• Rich cocoa depth from high-quality Dutch-process cocoa powder
• Bright acidity from tart cherry preserves
• Cooling contrast from the cream cheese layer

2. Textural Perfection

Experience three distinct textures in one square:

• Crispy crackly top (the hallmark of perfect brownies)
• Fudgy chocolate center (thanks to melted butter and dark chocolate)
• Creamy cheesecake ripple (made with full-fat cream cheese)

3. Easier Than Layer Cakes

Unlike fussy desserts requiring multiple components, these come together with:

• One bowl for the brownie batter
• One bowl for the cheesecake swirl
• Simple fold-in technique for marbling

4. Customizable to Preferences

Not a cherry fan? Swap in:

• Raspberry jam for a seedless variation
• Salted caramel for a grown-up twist
• Orange marmalade for citrus notes

Professional bakers suggest using high-fat cream cheese (like Philadelphia) for the smoothest swirl consistency.

Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Brownie Layer

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter (European-style preferred)
• 8 oz (225g) semisweet chocolate (60-70% cacao)
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ¾ cup (90g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Swirl

• 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese (softened)
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Cherry Layer

• ½ cup (160g) cherry preserves (look for 100% fruit with no corn syrup)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (to prevent seepage)

Pro Equipment Tip: A light-colored metal baking pan (9×13″) ensures even baking without burnt edges. Dark pans retain more heat.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prep Work

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

Step 2: Melt Chocolate & Butter

Use a double boiler or microwave:

1. Chop chocolate into uniform pieces.
2. Melt butter first, then add chocolate off-heat. Stir until smooth.

Step 3: Make Brownie Batter

1. Whisk sugar into warm chocolate mixture.
2. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
3. Sift in cocoa and salt. Fold gently—overmixing causes toughness.

Step 4: Prepare Cheesecake Layer

1. Beat cream cheese until smooth (2 mins).
2. Add yolk, sugar, and vanilla. Beat just until combined (overbeating incorporates air).

Step 5: Layer & Swirl

1. Spread ⅔ brownie batter into the pan.
2. Dollop cheesecake mixture across the surface.
3. Top with remaining brownie batter.
4. Use a knife to create marbled patterns.
5. Warm cherry preserves with cornstarch, then drizzle over the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

• Bake 30-35 minutes until edges pull away.
• The center should jiggle slightly—it sets while cooling.

Step 7: Cool Completely

Chill 3 hours before slicing for clean edges. Use a hot knife dipped in water between cuts.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Temperature Matters

• Room temp: Ideal for maximum flavor release
• Chilled: Firm texture, great for picnics
• Warmed: Microwave for 10 seconds with vanilla ice cream

Pairing Ideas

• Beverages: Cold milk, espresso, or tawny port
• Garnishes: Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa nibs
• À la mode: Serve with cherry vanilla bean ice cream

Presentation Tips

1. Cut into small squares—they’re intensely rich.
2. Use decorative doilies under each piece.
3. Drizzle with melted chocolate for special occasions.

For dinner parties, create a DIY brownie bar with these toppings:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Toasted almonds
• Chocolate shavings

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Maria Rose

Decadent fudgy brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake and tart cherry jam for an irresistible dessert mashup that's easier than layer cakes but just as impressive.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 16 squares

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

  

Brownie Layer:

• 1 cup 225g unsalted butter
• 8 oz 225g semisweet chocolate (60-70% cacao)
• 1 ½ cups 300g granulated sugar
• ¾ cup 90g Dutch-process cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 oz 225g full-fat cream cheese (softened)
• 1 large egg yolk
• ¼ cup 50g sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla

Cherry Layer:

• ½ cup 160g cherry preserves
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

 

Prep & Preheat:

• Line a 9×13″ baking pan with parchment paper.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Melt Chocolate Mixture:

• In a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate until smooth.

Brownie Batter:

• Whisk sugar into the warm chocolate.
• Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
• Fold in sifted cocoa powder and salt (do not overmix).

Cheesecake Layer:

• Beat cream cheese until creamy.
• Mix in egg yolk, sugar, and vanilla until just combined.

Assemble:

• Spread ⅔ brownie batter in the pan.
• Dollop cheesecake mixture over the top.
• Add remaining brownie batter and swirl with a knife.
• Mix cherry preserves with cornstarch and drizzle over the top.

Bake:

• Bake 30-35 minutes until edges are set but the center jiggles slightly.

Cool & Serve:

• Cool completely (3 hours) before slicing into 16 squares.

Notes

Nutrition Information

Per serving:
▪ Calories: 290
▪ Total Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
▪ Cholesterol: 80mg
▪ Sodium: 150mg
▪ Total Carbohydrates: 33g (Dietary Fiber: 2g | Sugars: 24g)
▪ Protein: 4g

Keyword cheesecake swirl brownies, cherry chocolate dessert, easy layered bars

FAQs

Final Thoughts

1. Bake them now—the flavor combo is life-changing.
2. Share your creation—tag us @QuickDessertRecipes.
3. Experiment—try black forest or raspberry white chocolate variations.

Want more easy dessert recipes like this? Strawberry Banana Pudding or check out our last post Banana Pudding Cookies Recipes