Dessert

Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

ByZoe Lane February 16, 2026February 16, 2026

Introduction

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and bursts of sweet cherry filling. They’re an easy-to-make dessert perfect for gatherings or a special treat at home.

The image shows a close-up of a dessert square with three clear layers, placed on a white rectangular plate against a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is thick, dark brown, and dense, resembling a chocolate brownie. The middle layer is creamy, smooth, and light beige, likely a cheesecake or cream cheese layer. The top layer is a shiny, vibrant red cherry topping with whole cherries embedded in a thick, glossy red sauce that spreads slightly over the edges. The dessert edges are sharp and clean, making each layer easy to see. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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

Tips & Variations

For an extra cherry flavor, add a teaspoon of cherry extract to the cheesecake mixture.
Use fresh or frozen cherries instead of pie filling for a less sweet, more natural topping.
Chill the bars for an hour before cutting to achieve cleaner slices.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of brownie cheesecake bars arranged on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each square piece has three layers: the bottom layer is a moist, dark brown brownie with a slightly rough texture; the middle layer is a smooth, creamy light beige cheesecake; the top layer is a glossy, vibrant red cherry topping dotted with whole shiny dark red cherries. The cherry topping looks slightly thick and textured, with some natural sauces dripping slightly over the cheesecake layer. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the front brownie cheesecake bar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?

If you don’t have cherry pie filling, you can use fresh cherries, cherry preserves, or any other fruit topping you enjoy. Just keep in mind the sweetness and moisture content may vary.