Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

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If you're a chocolate covered cherry lover, these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies will make your day! They start with a fudgy brownie crust, followed by creamy cheesecake that's swirled with cherry pie filling.

Perfect for a special occasion, holiday parties or an afternoon snack!

bite of cherry cheesecake brownies with more in the background.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There's nothing more delicious than chocolate and cherries swirled together. This combination creates a decadent dessert, even though it's really easy to make!

Cheesecake bars also create a beautiful presentation when served on a wooden board or simple tray. The taste of tart cherries mingles with dark chocolate to make a luscious cheesecake swirl.

By using a tried and true brownie mix combined with cherry pie filling, you'll be whipping up these scrumptious cheesecake brownies in minutes. It's the perfect recipe to take to church potlucks, family gatherings and holiday parties!

If you love cheesecake desserts, you might also like Nutella Cheesecake Brownies and Baileys Streusel Cheesecake Cups!

rows of cherry cheesecake brownies on a brown cutting board.

Ingredients

You only need a few simple ingredients to make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies! See recipe card for quantities.

boxed brownie mix - I use Ghirardelli brand
cherry pie filling - make sure it's pie filling and not cherries in syrup
cream cheese- the main ingredient in cheesecake
large eggs - binds the cheesecake and brownies together
canola oil - can use vegetable oil if preferred
sugar - only use a small amount for best results
almond extract - provides a surprise flavor in the batter

Equipment

mixing bowl
hand mixer or stand mixer (ad)
spoons
whisk
13 x 9 inch baking dish

ingredients needed to make cherry cheesecake brownies.

How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

1 - Make brownie mix as directed on package using oil, egg and water.

brownie mix with egg, water and oil in a clear bowl with whisk.

2 - Pour brownie mix into the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan or baking dish that has been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

3 - In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with a mixer until smooth. Add sugar, eggs and almond extract. Mix well and carefully place spoonfuls of the cheesecake batter over top of the brownie batter. Spread slowly with a knife or back of a spoon until brownie base is covered.

cheesecake batter being spread on brownie batter.

4 - Add spoonfuls of cherry pie filling on top of the cheesecake batter in rows. Swirl with a butter knife to make a cherry swirl design.

knife swirling cherries into cheesecake.

5 - Be careful not to dip into the brownie layer. Only the first two layers of cheesecake and cherries should be swirled.

swirled cheesecake on top of brownie batter.

6 - Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes, or until cheesecake is done and slightly brown on the edges.

Note: When you take these brownies out of the oven, the middle will jiggle quite a bit. It sets after cooling. Leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.

Santa beside brownies on a white platter. — Santa loves Cherry Cheesecake Brownies!

Recipe FAQS

Can I use a brownie recipe instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite brownie recipe you love to make, feel free to substitute it instead of a boxed mix.

Is there a substitute for cherry pie filling?

You could try to make your own pie pilling with cherries, sugar and cornstarch. But, you would need to make sure it was thick enough to set after baking. Cherry pie filling works perfectly, or you can substitute other flavors like strawberry or blueberry.

Should the brownie be gooey after baking?

Yes, the brownie will be soft and chewy once baked. It will not rise like it would if you were cooking it by itself. Make sure you store it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to ensure it's ready to slice into squares.

Variations

Experiment with different flavors of pie filling such as blueberry and strawberry.
Use a favorite brownie recipe instead of a box brownie mix.
Add a cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for more gooey brownies.
Take it to the next level by changing the color of the cheesecake layer. Add green food coloring for Christmas or pink for Valentine's Day.

Top Tips

The hardest part is spreading the cream cheese mixture over the brownie mixture. Go slowly when spreading the cheesecake mixture over the brownies to avoid mixing them together.
Use the tip of a butter knife to swirl the top two layers of cheesecake and cherry pie filling.
Baking the cheesecake at a lower temperature avoids cracks in the surface.

Freezing & Storage

This cherry cheesecake brownies recipe must be refrigerated since it contains a cream cheese layer. If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, be sure to wrap them tightly and store brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Cherry Cheesecake Bars can be frozen after baking for up to 3 months. Simply wrap them tightly and store in an airtight container. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on a kitchen counter at room temperature.

Serving Ideas

This is one of the most delicious desserts you'll ever make. Serve these gourmet brownies at holiday events like July 4th, Valentine's Day and Christmas. The red and white hue makes them a versatile dessert for entertaining!

Try these other recipes at your next event...

Recipe Card