Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and bursts of sweet cherry pie filling. They’re a delightful treat perfect for gatherings or a special homemade dessert.

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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 2 cups sugar. Add the 4 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring until well blended.
3. Step 3: Stir in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the brownie batter is smooth. Spread this evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup sugar until smooth. Add the remaining egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling evenly across the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans between the brownie and cheesecake layers.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer a less sweet or less processed topping.
• If you want a stronger cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the cheesecake mixture.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat slightly before serving if desired, but they are delicious cold as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can substitute other pie fillings like blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry for a different flavor twist.

How do I know when the bars are fully baked?

The edges should be set and pulling slightly away from the pan, and a toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

Delight in the luscious combination of rich chocolate brownies layered beneath a creamy cherry cheesecake topping in these indulgent Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars. Perfect for dessert lovers craving a perfect balance of decadent chocolate and tart cherry flavors in every bite.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: Stir in all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt until the brownie batter is uniform and smooth. Evenly spread this batter in the prepared baking pan.
4. Prepare cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to create a creamy cheesecake mixture.
5. Assemble layers: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Spoon dollops of cherry pie filling on top, distributing them evenly across the surface.
6. Bake and cool: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cheesecake layer appears firm. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars for serving.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Allow bars to cool completely or chill in the refrigerator before cutting to maintain clean slices.
• For extra cherry flavor, choose a high-quality cherry pie filling with visible cherries.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Keywords: cherry cheesecake brownie bars, cherry cheesecake bars, chocolate cherry bars, brownie cheesecake dessert, cherry brownie dessert