Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with Cherry Cheesecake Brownies, a delightful fusion of rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, tangy cherry cheesecake. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, combining the dense and chocolatey delight of brownies with the smooth and fruity charm of cherry cheesecake. It’s a perfect choice for those who can’t decide between a cheesecake and a brownie, offering a bite that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Ideal for special occasions or as a sumptuous treat for your next gathering, these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cherry preserves

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter and 1 cup of sugar. Beat in 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Combine the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually stir into the egg mixture until well blended. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Brownies: Dollop the cream cheese mixture over the brownie base. Spoon cherry preserves on top of the cream cheese layer. Using a knife or a skewer, swirl the cream cheese and cherry preserves together with the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the brownies and cheesecake layer are set. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan, then cut into squares. For cleaner slices, refrigerate for an hour before serving.

These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent treat, offering the richness of brownies with the creamy, fruity flavors of cherry cheesecake. Each bite is a delightful journey through layers of taste and texture, making them a surefire hit for any dessert lover. Enjoy!