Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars are a delightful combination of two desserts that everyone loves: rich, fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy, luscious cheesecake. With a stunning layer of sweet glacé cherries peeking through the cheesecake center, this dessert is not only visually appealing but also incredibly indulgent. Perfect for any occasion, whether it be a family gathering, birthday party, or simply a weekend treat, these brownies offer a delicious merge of flavors that never fails to impress.
What makes these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars truly spectacular is their contrast in textures. The chewy brownie base pairs wonderfully with the smoothness of the cheesecake mixture, while the candied cherries add bursts of sweetness in every bite. Besides tasting incredible, these bars are surprisingly easy to make and require no fancy techniques. It’s an accessible recipe that anyone can try — indeed, a great choice for both novice bakers and seasoned pros who wish to add a special touch to their dessert table.
If you’re looking to impress your friends and family or simply treat yourself, look no further than these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars. With their delicious flavors, beautiful presentation, and simple preparation, they’re guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich brownies and creamy cheesecake creates a deliciously indulgent treat that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is simple enough for bakers of all levels to follow.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant glacé cherries add a pop of color, making these bars perfect for any dessert table or celebration.
- Versatile Treat: These brownies can be enjoyed on their own, served with ice cream, or paired with fresh fruit for extra flavor.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into making your Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools for a smooth baking experience. Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F) to ensure that it is at the right temperature by the time your batter is ready.
You will need a 23×33 cm (9×13 inches) baking pan, which should be greased and lined with parchment paper for easy removal later on. Having all your ingredients measured and at room temperature will make the mixing process easier, especially the cream cheese. Using an electric mixer will also help achieve the desired texture, particularly for the brownie batter, as it needs to be mixed well to dissolve the sugars completely.
Don’t forget to collect a mixing bowl, a sifter for your dry ingredients, a spatula for spreading the batter evenly, and a toothpick for checking if your dessert is baked to perfection. With your space organized and tools ready, you’re all set to bring this delicious treat to life!
Ingredients
- For the Cheesecake Centre:
- 250 g cream cheese, softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 24 g plain flour
- 225 g glacé cherries, chopped
- For the Brownie Batter:
- 220 g plain flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 0.25 tsp baking soda
- 227 g unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 220 g light brown sugar
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 135 g dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
In a mixing bowl, begin by beating together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s essential to use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Once smooth, add in the egg, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Finally, sift in the flour and gently blend until you achieve a uniform consistency. Carefully fold in the chopped glacé cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed, then set the mixture aside while preparing the brownie base.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
Next, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) if you haven’t done so already. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking pan by lightly greasing it and lining it with parchment paper. In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda — this process aerates the mixture and prevents lumps.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter and mix it with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer set on low speed. Mixing at a slower pace helps to incorporate the sugars evenly. Once the mixture is combined, add in all four eggs at once, mixing for about 10 minutes until the sugars have fully dissolved and the batter reaches a glossy texture.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing. With the dry ingredients incorporated, add in the chocolate chips and stir them in by hand for the same reason. Once fully mixed, spread half of the brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Then, carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture on top, smoothing it out gently with an offset spatula.
Finally, top the cheesecake layer with the remaining brownie batter, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The top should appear crackled and dry, and the edges slightly pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs — if it comes out wet, bake for another few minutes. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars. These can be stored in an airtight container or even frozen for later enjoyment.
Variations
- Protein: You can add a scoop of protein powder to the brownie batter for an extra nutritional boost without affecting the texture.
- Vegetables: Consider adding finely chopped spinach or beet puree in the brownie mixture for added nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder in the brownie batter, giving it an extra depth of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Adjust the baking time according to your oven; every model has slight temperature variations.
- If you prefer a thicker cheesecake layer, simply double the cheesecake ingredients and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Allowing the brownies to cool completely is essential for getting clean cuts without the layers mixing.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Serve them warm with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Tips
- Be gentle when folding ingredients to maintain the fluffy texture of both the cheesecake and brownie layers.
- Keep an eye on the brownies as they bake; different ovens may require slight adjustments to the time.
- For a fun presentation, dust the cooled brownies with powdered sugar before serving.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor throughout your brownies.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per bar (approx.)
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of glacé cherries?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but they will need to be pitted and chopped. Fresh cherries will produce a slightly different flavor profile and moisture level.
How do I know when my brownies are done?
The brownies are done when the top is crackled, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Absolutely! Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the bars in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to three months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars are an irresistible dessert that brings together the best of both worlds — the rich chocolatey goodness of brownies and the creamy delight of cheesecake. Their appealing aesthetics, combined with the succulent bursts of glacé cherries, makes this treat not only delicious but also an eye-catching centerpiece for any event. Whether you choose to enjoy them baked fresh or savor them later from the freezer, this recipe is sure to please your palate and create lasting memories around the dessert table.
So why wait? Gather your ingredients, don your apron, and make these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars today! Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments, and let us know how your batch turned out! Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars are an irresistible dessert that brings together the best of both worlds — the rich chocolatey goodness of brownies and the creamy delight of cheesecake.
Ingredients
- For the Cheesecake Centre:
- 250 g cream cheese, softened
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- 24 g plain flour
- 225 g glacé cherries, chopped
- For the Brownie Batter:
- 220 g plain flour
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 0.25 tsp baking soda
- 227 g unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 220 g light brown sugar
- 200 g granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 135 g dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, begin by beating together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. It’s essential to use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Once smooth, add in the egg, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Finally, sift in the flour and gently blend until you achieve a uniform consistency. Carefully fold in the chopped glacé cherries, ensuring they are evenly distributed, then set the mixture aside while preparing the brownie base.
- Next, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) if you haven’t done so already. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking pan by lightly greasing it and lining it with parchment paper. In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda — this process aerates the mixture and prevents lumps.
- Now, in a large mixing bowl, melt the unsalted butter and mix it with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer set on low speed. Mixing at a slower pace helps to incorporate the sugars evenly. Once the mixture is combined, add in all four eggs at once, mixing for about 10 minutes until the sugars have fully dissolved and the batter reaches a glossy texture.
- Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring carefully until just combined to avoid overmixing. With the dry ingredients incorporated, add in the chocolate chips and stir them in by hand for the same reason. Once fully mixed, spread half of the brownie batter evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Then, carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture on top, smoothing it out gently with an offset spatula.
- Finally, top the cheesecake layer with the remaining brownie batter, ensuring that it is evenly distributed. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The top should appear crackled and dry, and the edges slightly pull away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs — if it comes out wet, bake for another few minutes. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares or bars. These can be stored in an airtight container or even frozen for later enjoyment.
Notes
Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Adjust the baking time according to your oven; every model has slight temperature variations. If you prefer a thicker cheesecake layer, simply double the cheesecake ingredients and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g