Jump to Recipe Print RecipeYou know that moment when you’re struck with the desire for something sweet but beautifully indulgent? That’s when I reach for these delightful Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies. This recipe effortlessly combines the richness of fudgy chocolate brownies with creamy cheesecake swirls and bursts of succulent cherries, creating a dessert that’s as comforting as it is visually stunning. Not only do these brownies make for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering, but they also provide a fabulous twist on traditional chocolate treats. Perfect for those seeking a quick yet elegant dessert for special occasions—or even a cozy night in—these brownies are bound to satisfy every chocolate lover’s cravings. Are you ready to discover how to whip up this luscious delight? Why Will You Crave These Brownies? Decadence on a Plate: These Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies deliver a luxurious experience with each bite, featuring fudgy brownie layers complemented by creamy cheesecake swirls and tangy cherries. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Ideal for gatherings, they’ll steal the show at parties while impressing friends and family alike. Your guests won’t believe how simple they are to make! Visually Stunning: The beautiful marbled design makes them not only tasty but also a feast for the eyes—perfect for festive occasions. Quick and Simple: With straightforward steps, you’ll have stylish dessert ready in no time. If you’re craving something fruity and indulgent, try Strawberry Cheesecake Dump for another crowd favorite! Versatile Ingredients: Swap out the cherry pie filling for fresh cherries or even use Cinnamon Swirl Bundt for a seasonal twist! Make it your own! Store and Enjoy: They can easily be stored up to a week, perfect for meal prep or satisfying cravings throughout the week! Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Ingredients For the Brownie Base Unsalted Butter (1 cup) – Provides moisture and richness; substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Granulated Sugar (2 cups) – Sweetens the brownies; consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (1¼ cups) – Gives the brownies their rich chocolaty base; Dutch-processed cocoa lends a milder flavor. Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; use sea salt for a gourmet touch. Baking Powder (1 tsp) – Helps brownies rise and achieve a lighter texture; can substitute with baking soda. Extract (1 tbsp, chocolate, coffee, or vanilla) – Adds depth of flavor; choose your favorite for a personalized touch. Eggs (4 large) – Acts as a binding agent, keeping brownies moist; flax eggs can be used for a vegan option. All-Purpose Flour (1 cup) – Provides structure; for gluten-free, substitute with almond flour. Mini Chocolate Chips (1 cup) – Increases chocolate flavor and adds texture; dark chocolate chips are a great alternative. For the Cheesecake Layer Cream Cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each) – Forms the creamy cheesecake layer; use Neufchâtel for a lower-fat option. Granulated Sugar (½ cup) – Sweetens the cheesecake layer. All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) – Provides structure; vegan cream cheese is a suitable substitute. Heavy Cream (¼ cup) – Adds richness to the cheesecake; replace with full-fat coconut milk for a non-dairy version. Eggs (2 large) – Binds the cheesecake mixture; silken tofu blended can be used for a vegan alternative. Cherry Pie Filling (1 can, 21 oz) – Provides the fruity layer; fresh cherries can be used for a custom flavor in your Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9 x 13-inch baking pan and grease it thoroughly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This initial step ensures a non-stick experience, giving your Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies a flawless finish. Step 2: Make the Brownie Base In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter for about 30-60 seconds. Once melted, stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth. Gradually mix in 1¼ cups of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of baking powder, and your choice of 1 tbsp extract. Combine well before whisking in 4 large eggs one by one, followed by 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Finally, fold in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips for a decadent brownie mixture. Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling In another mixing bowl, beat 16 oz of cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency. Blend in ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 large eggs until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and lump-free, creating the luscious cheesecake layer that will be swirled with your brownies. Step 4: Assemble the Layers Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Next, pour the cheesecake mixture directly on top, spreading it gently. It’s time to dollop 1 can of cherry pie filling across the cheesecake layer—leave some areas exposed for a stunning effect. With the remaining brownie batter, dollop portions on top and gently create swirls using a knife to blend them together beautifully. Step 5: Bake to Perfection Place the assembled Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. To know when they’re ready, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking, as you want them to retain their indulgent texture. Step 6: Cool and Chill Once baked, allow your brownies to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. For the best results, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or overnight if time allows. This cooling process helps the flavors meld and makes slicing into squares much easier when it’s time to serve your Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies. Make Ahead Options These Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead to save you time during busy weeks! You can prepare the brownie base and cheesecake filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the brownie ingredients and cheesecake mixture as instructed, then store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, layer them in the pan and top them with cherry pie filling just before swirling. This ensures the brownies remain fresh and flavorful. Keep in mind that fully baked brownies can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to one month, maintaining their deliciousness for later indulgence! Storage Tips for Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Fridge: Store brownies in an airtight container for up to one week to maintain their freshness and rich flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze brownies for up to one month. It’s best to freeze them uncut to preserve their texture. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, let frozen brownies thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. This allows the flavors to come back to life beautifully. Reheating: For a warm treat, gently reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—perfect for that melted chocolate experience! Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Variations Feel free to explore your creativity with these delightful Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies and make them truly your own! Fresh Cherries: Replace the cherry pie filling with fresh pitted cherries for a burst of natural flavor. They will add a lovely tartness without the added sugars! Mascarpone Cheese: Swap cream cheese for mascarpone for a creamier texture that’s equally delicious. Many folks enjoy the light, airy quality it brings to the cheesecake layer. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a delightful crunch. It adds a nice contrast to the soft brownies and creamy cheese. Flavor Boost: Mix in a splash of almond extract or espresso in the brownie batter for a rich complexity that will intensify the chocolate flavors. Vegan Option: Use flax eggs and vegan cream cheese instead of traditional eggs and cream cheese for an equally luscious, dairy-free treat. Your vegan friends will love you for it! Gluten-Free Swaps: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version. Just keep an eye on the texture; it may vary slightly! Choco-Lover’s Delight: Mix dark chocolate chips into the brownie mix instead of mini chocolate chips for an even richer chocolate experience. You can never go wrong with more chocolate! If you love these brownie variations, you might also enjoy spicing things up with a Strawberry Cheesecake Dump or a festive pie like Lime Mousse Cheesecake. Enjoy experimenting! What to Serve with Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Indulging in these decadent brownies creates a delightful occasion for pairing perfect accompaniments that elevate your dessert experience. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the rich chocolate flavors, providing a delightful contrast that cools and refreshes. Fresh Berries: Light and zesty, fresh strawberries or raspberries add a burst of tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the brownies. Whipped Cream: Luxurious whipped cream enhances the creaminess of the cheesecake, while its airy texture makes each bite feel even more indulgent. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce over your brownies intensifies the chocolatey goodness, making them even more tempting. Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso brings out the rich flavors and offers a warm, comforting contrast to the sweetness. Mint Tea: For a refreshing palate cleanser, a soothing mint tea pairs nicely, adding a hint of herbal brightness after each chocolaty bite. Chocolate-Covered Cherries: If you’re looking for a fun twist, chocolate-covered cherries make a delightful treat alongside your brownies, reiterating those cherry flavors in a sweet way. Homemade Caramel Sauce: Drizzling homemade caramel sauce provides a luscious twist that enhances both the brownies and the cheesecake layer, creating a flavor symphony. These pairings transform your dessert into a robust culinary experience, inviting everyone to linger a little longer around the table, savoring every moment. Expert Tips for Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Baking Time Watch: Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies; aim for that perfect fudgy texture! Cool Completely: Let brownies cool fully before cutting. This prevents messy slices and helps the cheesecake layer set beautifully. Chill for Flavor: After cooling, refrigerate the brownies for at least an hour. This enhances the flavors and makes for a delightful eating experience. Swap Sugars: If you want a richer taste, try substituting half of the granulated sugar with brown sugar in the brownie mix. Don’t Skip the Parchment: Using parchment paper makes it a breeze to lift the brownies out of the pan, ensuring they stay intact for serving. Experiment with Cherries: For an authentic twist, consider using fresh cherries instead of pie filling for your Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies. Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe FAQs What kind of cherries should I use for these brownies? You have a few options! For convenience, you can use canned cherry pie filling, which adds sweetness and flavor. If you prefer a fresher taste, go ahead and use fresh cherries—just ensure they are pitted and chopped. Either way, you’ll have delicious Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies! How should I store leftover brownies? To keep your Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. This not only preserves their flavor but also keeps the cheesecake layer creamy. For longer storage, they can be frozen. Can I freeze these brownies? Absolutely! To freeze your Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, I recommend doing so uncut. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to one month. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight. What can I do if my brownies are too dry? If you find that your brownies are dry, it could be due to overbaking. Always check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If they do end up dry, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top to add moisture back into each bite! Are these brownies suitable for people with dietary restrictions? The Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies contain eggs and dairy. If you have dietary restrictions, you can make substitutions—for example, use flax eggs for a vegan option, or swap cream cheese with a vegan alternative. Just ensure any ingredient substitutions match your dietary needs, and you’ll still have a delightful dessert! How long do these brownies take to cool before cutting? It’s best to let your brownies cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour after baking. For optimal texture and flavor, refrigerate them for at least another hour or overnight. This way, the cheesecake layer sets nicely, making for cleaner slices when you’re ready to serve your Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies. Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies That Steal the Show These Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies combine fudgy chocolate brownies with creamy cheesecake and tart cherries, perfect for dessert lovers. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins Servings: 12 browniesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Brownie Base1 cup unsalted butter Provides moisture and richness; substitute with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.2 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the brownies; consider brown sugar for a deeper flavor.1.25 cups unsweetened cocoa powder Gives the brownies their rich chocolaty base; Dutch-processed cocoa lends a milder flavor.1 teaspoon salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors; use sea salt for a gourmet touch.1 teaspoon baking powder Helps brownies rise and achieve a lighter texture; can substitute with baking soda.1 tablespoon extract Adds depth of flavor; choose your favorite for a personalized touch.4 large eggs Acts as a binding agent, keeping brownies moist; flax eggs can be used for a vegan option.1 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure; for gluten-free, substitute with almond flour.1 cup mini chocolate chips Increases chocolate flavor and adds texture; dark chocolate chips are a great alternative.Cheesecake Layer16 oz cream cheese Forms the creamy cheesecake layer; use Neufchâtel for a lower-fat option.0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cheesecake layer.0.5 cup all-purpose flour Provides structure; vegan cream cheese is a suitable substitute.0.25 cup heavy cream Adds richness to the cheesecake; replace with full-fat coconut milk for a non-dairy version.2 large eggs Binds the cheesecake mixture; silken tofu blended can be used for a vegan alternative.1 can cherry pie filling Provides the fruity layer; fresh cherries can be used for a custom flavor. Equipment 9 x 13 inch baking panmixing bowlsMicrowavewhiskknife Method Preparation StepsPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9 x 13-inch baking pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.Melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl for about 30-60 seconds, then stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until smooth.Gradually mix in 1¼ cups of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of baking powder, and your choice of 1 tbsp extract, then whisk in 4 large eggs one by one.Fold in 1 cup of all-purpose flour and then stir in 1 cup of mini chocolate chips.In another bowl, beat 16 oz of cream cheese until smooth, then add ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ¼ cup of heavy cream, and 2 large eggs until well combined.Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, followed by the cheesecake mixture, dolloping the cherry pie filling over the top.Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top and create swirls with a knife, then bake for 45-50 minutes.Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan at room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Nutrition Serving: 1brownieCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesThese brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze for up to one month, best when frozen uncut. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
