Description
Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and sweet cherry pie filling. This delicious dessert features a moist brownie base topped with a smooth cream cheese mixture and bursts of cherry flavor, baked to perfection in a single pan. Perfect for gatherings or a decadent treat, these bars offer the best of chocolate, cheesecake, and fruit all in one bite.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Cherry Topping
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, stirring well until the mixture is smooth and homogenized.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually mix the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients until the brownie batter is smooth without overmixing. Spread this batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble layers: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter layer in the pan. Then drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling across the cheesecake layer for bursts of cherry flavor throughout.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the edges are set and the cheesecake layer looks firm but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan to set properly before slicing into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Do not overbake; the cheesecake topping should remain slightly jiggly to avoid dryness.
- Use good-quality cocoa powder for richer chocolate flavor in the brownie base.
- Cherry pie filling can be substituted with fresh or frozen cherries cooked with sugar if preferred.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 4-5 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cherry cheesecake brownie bars, brownie bars, cheesecake bars, cherry dessert, chocolate cheesecake, easy dessert recipe, bar desserts
