Cherry cheesecake brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the creamy tang of cheesecake and the sweet pop of cherry pie filling. These cherry cheesecake brownies are the ultimate dessert mash-up, perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or when you’re craving something truly indulgent. With layers of decadent chocolate and luscious cheesecake swirled with cherry, each bite is a burst of heavenly flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Decadent Layers: The perfect blend of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These brownies are always a hit at potlucks, parties, and holiday tables.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it perfect for prepping in advance.
- Customizable Treat: Easily adapted with various fruits or chocolate add-ins.
- Perfect for Prep: Chills beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup melted butter, slightly cooled
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar (500g)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or substitute with all-purpose flour) (190g)
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (95g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cherry Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 can cherry pie filling (about 10 oz)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
- Prepare the Pan: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and lightly coat with non-stick spray. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs and whisk until combined. Stir in flour, cocoa, and salt until a thick batter forms.
- Layer the Base: Spread half (or slightly more) of the brownie mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Using an electric mixer, blend the cream cheese, egg, vanilla, and sugar until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add Cherry Layer: Add dollops of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer and gently spread.
- Add Final Brownie Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top. Don’t worry about full coverage—just spread gently without disturbing the layers.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just set. The brownies may jiggle slightly due to the cheesecake.
- Cool & Slice: Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature. For neater pieces, chill in the fridge for a few hours.
Helpful Tips

- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth filling.
- Don’t Overbake: The center should be just set but not dry; overbaking can ruin the creamy texture.
- Use a Dark Pan: Baking times can vary depending on the pan, but a dark non-stick pan helps with even cooking.
- Foil Lining: Makes cleanup and slicing easier—just lift the brownies out after cooling.
Substitutions And Variations
- Flour: Swap whole wheat for all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Alternative Fruits: Substitute the cherry filling with blueberry, raspberry, or even apple pie filling.
- Extra Chocolate: Add a handful of white or dark chocolate chips to the batter for added decadence.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free flour blend in place of wheat flour.
- Lower Sugar Version: Replace granulated sugar with a sugar alternative like erythritol.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Room Temperature: Can be kept at room temperature for a day, but refrigeration is best for texture and shelf life.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 312 per serving
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 81mg
- Sodium: 195mg
- Potassium: 145mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 35g
- Vitamin A: 430 IU
- Calcium: 22mg
- Iron: 1.4mg
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream.
- With Coffee: Enjoy alongside a hot cup of espresso or cappuccino.
- As a Dessert Platter: Serve with other mini desserts for a stunning dessert table.
- Holiday Treats: Wrap individually for festive holiday gift boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling? Yes, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar to get a similar consistency and sweetness.
Can I make these ahead of time? These brownies taste even better the next day after chilling in the fridge.
Do I need to refrigerate these brownies? Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, keeping them chilled helps maintain freshness and structure.
Can I double the recipe? Sure! Just use multiple pans or a larger baking tray to avoid overflow.
Why are my brownies a bit jiggly in the middle? As long as the edges are set and the center isn’t liquid, they will firm up as they cool.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by and exploring this Cherry Cheesecake Brownies recipe! It’s one of my absolute favorites—each bite delivers a heavenly blend of textures and flavors that never disappoint. I adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together and how well it impresses guests and family alike. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just treating yourself, I hope this dessert brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. I hope you enjoy making (and devouring) them as much as I do. Happy baking, and thank you for being a part of this sweet community!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies combine rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and cherry pie filling for a layered dessert that’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion. Make a batch today and wow your family!
Ingredients
Brownie Base
1 cup melted butter
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
1 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt
Cheesecake Layer
8 oz cream cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 can cherry pie filling
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with foil; spray with nonstick spray.
Mix melted butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add vanilla and eggs. Stir in flour, cocoa, and salt.
Spread half the brownie batter into the pan.
Mix cream cheese, egg, vanilla, and sugar until smooth. Spread over brownie layer.
Spoon cherry pie filling over cheesecake layer.
Drop remaining brownie batter on top; gently spread.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until center is just set.
Cool completely before slicing. Refrigerate for cleaner cuts.
Notes
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling. Brownies will jiggle slightly due to the cheesecake layer—this is normal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 4g