Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries

This cherry cheesecake brownies recipe pairs the classic favorite sweets of chocolate and cherries with the mild tartness of cream cheese.

This is a delightful dessert for summer, or any time of year if you use canned cherries.

They are perfect for potlucks, casual parties, afternoon tea, or just an after-dinner treat for the family. 

It’s like having two desserts at the same time.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I love Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries?

• Chocolate and cherries are a pairing made in Heaven!
• Brownies can be cut up into several pieces. 
• This is a dessert that should please many. 
• No fancy tools are needed. 

What is the difference between NY style cheesecake and regular cheesecake?

The texture of a New York cheesecake is very firm and dense due to lack of sour cream. It has a higher ratio of cream cheese and heavy cream for consistency. Eggs give New York cheesecake a smoother texture. 

What not to do when making cheesecake?

Don’t use whipped cream cheese. Use a solid block. Everything will blend better if it’s at room temperature. Keep it moist, but don’t overbeat. Once in the oven, keep the door closed. 

How to serve Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries?

Cherry Cheesecake Brownies can be served by themselves as a dessert or at a tea party. If you want to be fancy, you can drizzle them with chocolate syrup and/or a bit of the syrup that the canned cherries came in.

Cooking Tips:

The cream cheese should be room temperature but not runny. To test for doneness, give it a jiggle. If it is firm at the edges and is still still wobbley a bit in the center, it’s done.

Variations:

Canned cherry filling is convenient but you can substitute five cups of fresh or frozen pitted cherries mixed with a quarter cup of cornstarch and two thirds of a cup of sugar. More or less, depending on how sweet your cherries are. Because cream cheese is holding this together, you may not even need that much cornstarch. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor. 

Ingredients:

For the brownies:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Vanilla extract

For the cheesecake swirl:

• Cream cheese softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Cherry pie filling

How to make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries:

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2. In a mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the brownies and beat until smooth and creamy.

Adding the all-purpose flour.

Adding the granulated sugar.

Adding the butter.

Adding the unsweetened cocoa powder.

Adding the baking powder.

Adding the vanilla extract.

Step 3. Spread the brownie mixture into the bottom of a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and just the cherries from the cherry pie filling. You can discard the cherry filling itself, you only need the cherries. Mix the ingredients until well incorporated.

Adding the cherries.

Adding the sugar.

Step 5. Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie mixture and swirl with a butter knife.

Step 6. Bake for 45 minutes until cooked through.

Slice and serve!

SAVE this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to store Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries?

Wrap them in plastic wrap or keep them in an airtight container and refrigerate. 

How to reheat Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries?

Cheesecake brownies are best served chilled. 

How much does Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries last on the fridge?

About five days. In the freezer, they’ll last six months. 

Can I make ahead Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Fresh Cherries?

As they are best served chilled, certainly. 

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy: 

THE Baked Brownie A more traditional brownie recipe. 

Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes For more of that delicious chocolate and cherry flavor. 

New York Cheesecake A classic cheesecake that can be topped with your favorite syrup, compote or fresh fruit.