Imagine biting into a dessert that combines the fudgy richness of brownies, the creamy tang of cheesecake, and the sweet burst of cherries—all in one delightful bite. Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars offer just that! This dessert perfectly balances deep chocolate flavor with silky cheesecake and a fruity cherry topping, making it a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something indulgent, these bars are guaranteed to impress.
With this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars from scratch—complete with tips, variations, and storage advice to ensure every square is as irresistible as the first.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
Optional Garnish:
- Dark chocolate curls or shavings
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides to make lifting the bars easier later. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until smooth. Once melted, remove it from the heat and whisk in both sugars until fully combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly—this prevents the eggs from cooking when added.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep your brownies tender.
Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Set the remaining third aside for the topping layer.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then continue to beat until the mixture is velvety and lump-free.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base, spreading it gently to create an even layer.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping
Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly across the cheesecake layer. Use a spatula to distribute the cherries without pressing too hard—this ensures the cheesecake remains creamy underneath.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top, leaving gaps so the cherry and cheesecake layers peek through. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the top layers to create a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate the cooled bars for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and makes cutting cleaner.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the chilled bars from the pan using the parchment overhang. Place them on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into even squares or rectangles. Wipe the knife between cuts for neat edges.
Conservation and Storage
To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars fresh and flavorful, store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 1 hour.
Avoid leaving them at room temperature for extended periods, as the cheesecake layer can spoil.
Variations
These bars are incredibly versatile! Try these fun twists:
- Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra richness.
- Berry Swap: Replace cherry pie filling with blueberry, raspberry, or strawberry filling for a new fruity twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the brownie layer for a bit of texture.
- White Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the baked bars for a gourmet touch.
- Mini Bar Version: Make bite-sized portions using a muffin tin—perfect for parties or dessert platters.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars chilled or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, pair them with:
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A drizzle of warm chocolate or caramel sauce.
- Fresh cherries or mint leaves for a pop of color.
These bars also make a beautiful addition to holiday dessert tables, potlucks, or as a sweet gift wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon.
Tips for Perfect Results
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overbake: The bars should still have a slightly fudgy center. Overbaking can make them dry.
- Chill Before Cutting: Cold bars slice neatly and hold their layers beautifully.
- Use Quality Cocoa: A high-quality cocoa powder enhances the deep chocolate flavor.
Conclusion
Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars bring together three classic desserts into one unforgettable bite. The dense chocolate base, creamy cheesecake layer, and luscious cherry topping create a symphony of textures and flavors that satisfy every sweet craving. They’re elegant enough for celebrations yet simple enough for everyday baking.
Whether you enjoy them chilled from the fridge, paired with a hot cup of coffee, or shared among friends at a gathering, these bars are a dessert worth making again and again. With their versatility and irresistible flavor, Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars will easily become one of your favorite recipes to bake—and to devour.
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Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars: A Decadent Dessert Fusion
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and a sweet cherry topping. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly delicious, they make a showstopping dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
1 cup (2 sticks / 225 g) unsalted butter
1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (90 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cherry Topping:
1 can (21 oz / 595 g) cherry pie filling
Optional Garnish:
Dark chocolate curls or shavings
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the parchment with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat and whisk in both sugars until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Add the eggs one by one, whisking after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
In another bowl, sift flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold into the wet mixture.
Spread two-thirds of the batter in the pan and reserve the rest.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, and mix until creamy.
Spread evenly over the brownie base.
Step 4: Add the Cherry Topping
Spoon cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top, leaving gaps for a marbled look. Swirl gently with a knife or skewer.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for 2 hours before cutting.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Lift the bars using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or rectangles, wiping the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smooth batter and even layers.
Don’t overbake — a slightly fudgy texture is ideal.
Chill before slicing for neat, beautiful layers.
Quality cocoa makes all the difference for deep chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars, Cherry Brownie Dessert, Cheesecake Brownie Squares
