Layers of fudgy brownies, vanilla cheesecake, and cherry pie filling swirls make these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies a pretty and delicious dessert for celebrating any event. These cheesecake brownies are a simple but decadent dessert for parties.
Cheesecake is one of my absolute favorite desserts to make. I love making this Banana Split Cheesecake when I need a big full-size cheesecake to take to special dinners or to a fundraiser at church. It is a jaw dropper for sure!
When I'm short on time and need a fancy dessert, these No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge Cheesecake Parfaits are perfect. Quick and easy desserts are great because they can be made in a hurry.
Cherry Cheesecake Bars
Baking layers in desserts is probably my all time favorite way to do cheesecake. These Take 5 Cheesecake Brownies are definitely one of the best ways to put as many layers as you can into one dessert. Of course, you can't go wrong with the Ultimate Reese's Cheesecake Brownies either!
I have been wanting to make another full-sized cheesecake for dessert, but time has gotten away from me. We were gone all day shopping at Ikea for bedroom furniture for a bedroom redo, so I didn't have time to make one.
Then my husband was going to visit some friends at his old job, so he asked for a dessert to take with him. It was the perfect reason to make an easy cherry cheesecake with a brownie crust.
How to make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
When there is no time to wait for a big cheesecake to cool, I almost always make cheesecake brownies. They really are so easy to make, and they cool in just a few short hours.
Sometimes I like to use a box brownie mix because it's so easy. A double batch of these Homemade Chocolate Chip Brownies works just as well too.
For these particular cheesecake brownies, I started with a box mix because I had a few in the pantry to use up. Make it according to the package directions and spread it into a 9x13 dish.
I like to line the pan with foil or parchment paper because it is easier to lift the brownies out and cut them into squares. Make sure to spray it with nonstick spray very well. The foil is an optional step though.
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you get started. If you forget to get it out, you can always unwrap it, remove the packaging, and microwave it for about 20-30 seconds.
Beat the cream cheese with the butter before you add any other ingredients because this will help it be creamier. Slowly pour in the rest of the ingredients and beat again.
Slowly pour the cheesecake batter very carefully on top of the brownie batter because you want this to bake in distinct layers. Then very carefully spoon the cherry pie filling on top.
Use a knife to swirl just the two top layers. Do not put the knife all the way in because you want the fudgy brownie stay at the bottom.
After this bakes, give it time to cool. I usually leave the finished cheesecake bars on the counter for an hour, then place it in the refrigerator. Within 3-4 hours it is completely chilled and ready for you to dive into.
Cool Whip swirls and cherries with stems make these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies look so pretty.
My husband didn't want a fancy over the top dessert for his friends though, so he took the pan of plain cheesecake brownies.
Which way would you prefer to eat these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies? Plain or pretty??? Either way these are going to be the best brownies you ever make.
More Simple Cheesecake Recipes
- Chocolate Cheesecake Pie
- Snickers Cheesecake Brownie Cake
- Rainbow Cheesecake
- Coconut Cream Cheesecake Brownies
- Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
- Apple Pie Cheesecake
- Reese's Cheesecake Brownies
- Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Recipe
Recipe
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Layers of brownie, cheesecake, and cherry pie filling make these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies a pretty dessert for celebrating any event. Or just make them for an unexpected after dinner dessert and make everyone smile.
Ingredients
- 1 - 9x13 box brownie mix
- 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 - 21 ounce can cherry pie filling
- 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
- cherries with stems, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13 pan with foil or parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray. You can also just spray the pan.
- Make brownies according to the package directions. Spread in the prepared pan. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add the extract, cornstarch, egg, and sweetened condensed milk and beat again until creamy.
- Pour or spoon the cheesecake batter very carefully onto the brownie batter. Spread out over the top to cover the brownies.
- Drop the pie filling by spoonfuls gently on the cheesecake layer. Swirl very carefully with a knife. Bake for 40-42 minutes. Remove and cool on the counter for 1 hour. Place in the refrigerator until chilled completely.
- Cut into 24 squares. Serve with Cool Whip and cherries, if desired. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 79mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 0gSugar: 15gProtein: 3g
Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.
*The post and recipe for the Cherry Cheesecake Brownies was originally published on July 30, 2014. The pictures and post has been updated and republished on November 26, 2018.
**Inside BruCrew Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associate Program. We may receive a small percentage from sales made through these links with no added cost to you. Thank you for helping to support us and for letting us continue to provide free recipes for you.
Ginnie
Mmm ... these looks so amazing, and I can't wait to check out all the other recipes, too:)
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Ginnie! 🙂
Lindsay+@+Life,+Love+and+Sugar
I've been wanting to try a cheesecake with a brownie bottom! Sounds delicious! And I definitely love the pretty way! 🙂
Jax
These look incredible! Best of both worlds if you ask me!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Jax! 🙂
Shaina
Cherries and chocolate...I'm in!!! Gimme<3
Heather+@+French+Press
total triple threat..chocolate, cheesecake and cherry
YUM
Lisa+@+Garnish+with+Lemon
Brownies + Cheesecake=Brilliant! Love this dessert. Pinned!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
What a beautiful cheesecake, Jocelyn! Love that you've included brownies, the best of both worlds!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Gayle!
Julie
I'd definitely go the pretty route - I want some extra pie filling on top of mine 🙂
Amy | Club Narwhal
Jocelyn, these brownies are making my heart burst with joy! So many good things happening, particularly the blessed union of brownie + cheesecake. Gorgeous!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha! Thanks Amy! 🙂
Robin+@+Simply+Southern+Baking
Brownies, cheesecake and cherries....oh my goodness girl! These look totally addictive!
Beth @ bethcakes
I love the brownie and cheesecake combo!! And the cherries! Love all these fun National Cheesecake Day recipes. Wish I could taste all of them!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Beth! 🙂
Chelsea+@chelseasmessyapron
This is such a fun dessert - brownies and cheesecake all in one delicious bite! Also I'm totally jealous of your awesome decorating - that cool whip and cherries on top is perfection! Pinned 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes)
These cheesecake brownies are absolute perfection!!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Jocelyn!
Mir
I'm so glad you made these instead of a big cheesecake! So much better to have brownies and cheesecake together. Plus, with cheesecake you usually have a slice, and with bars, you can eat so much more!
Melanie+@+Carmel+Moments
Definitely pretty. LOVE it! My hubby would down these in a heartbeat.
Pinning for sure. 🙂
Have a wonderful day Jocelyn!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Melanie!
Cookbook+Queen
Gorgeous -- LOVE these flavors!!
Betsy+|+JavaCupcake.com
Ohhh I love brownies and my husband loves cherries.... I think I need to make these for us this weekend!! LOVE IT! Pinned it too!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Betsy! 🙂
Jennie+@themessybakerblog
How you doin', cherry cheesecake bar? I want to pile-drive these bars into my cheesecake hole. Pinned.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hahaha, too funny! 🙂 Thanks for the pin, girl!
Aimee@ShugarySweets
You are the cheesecake bar queen! I wish I had one of these in front of me now!!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
It's like 2 desserts in one and I love that, pinned! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Averie!