Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and bursts of sweet cherry pie filling. Perfect for satisfying chocolate and fruit cravings in one delightful treat, they’re ideal for gatherings or just a special homemade dessert.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and 2 cups sugar. Add the 4 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until the brownie batter is smooth and evenly mixed. Spread this batter evenly into the prepared pan.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup sugar until creamy and smooth. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.
5. Step 5: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter layer. Then, drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling across the top, distributing them as you like.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the cheesecake layer is lightly firm. Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped dark chocolate or toasted nuts on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with raspberry or blueberry pie filling for a different fruity twist.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth cheesecake layer.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat well at room temperature or can be served cold. For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pie filling or fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Regular canned pie filling works best since it holds its shape during baking. Fresh cherries can be used but may release more juice, possibly affecting the texture. If using fresh fruit, consider cooking it slightly beforehand to reduce excess moisture.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Make sure not to overmix the cream cheese filling and bake just until the edges set. Overbaking can cause cracks. Also, allow the bars to cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating to help prevent cracking.

Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 143 reviews

Delicious Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bars combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with creamy cheesecake and sweet cherry pie filling. These layered bars offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ideal for dessert lovers seeking a decadent treat.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Topping

• 1 cup cherry pie filling

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
2. Make brownie batter: In a large bowl, combine melted butter and 2 cups sugar, mixing well. Add the eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract, stirring until completely combined.
3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is smooth and even. Spread this brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan.
4. Prepare cheesecake layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
5. Assemble layers: Pour the cheesecake mixture gently over the brownie layer in the pan, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer for bursts of fruity sweetness.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

Notes

• For best results, use room temperature eggs to ensure even mixing.
• Allow the bars to cool completely to help them set and make cutting easier.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• You can substitute cherry pie filling with another fruit pie filling like blueberry or strawberry if desired.
• For a crispier brownie edge, bake a few minutes longer but watch closely to prevent overbaking.

Keywords: cherry cheesecake brownie bars, cheesecake brownies, cherry brownie dessert, layered brownies, chocolate cherry bars