If you have a sweet tooth and love the beautiful marriage of rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake with a burst of fruity cherry, the Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is destined to become your new favorite dessert. This luscious treat has everything you want in a bar: fudgy brownie layers, silky cheesecake, juicy cherry bites, and melty chocolate chips all swirling together to create pure magic. Perfect for sharing at parties or indulging in on a quiet evening, these bars bring a creative twist that elevates classic brownies with layers of flavor and texture you simply cannot resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is your first step to dessert bliss. Each item plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors and textures—from the fudgy base to the creamy middle layer, the fruitiness of the cherries, and the luscious chocolaty finish.
- Brownie mix (1 box, 18.4 oz): The foundation of our bars, providing that rich and fudgy chocolate flavor that’s utterly addictive.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Standard brownie mix ingredients that ensure perfect batter consistency and moisture.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Gives the cheesecake portion its characteristic smooth and tangy creaminess.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer just right without overpowering other flavors.
- Large egg (1): Binds the cheesecake mixture, making it creamy yet firm when baked.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
- Cherry pie filling (1 cup): Adds juicy bursts of fruit and a delightful pop of color and flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top for extra melty chocolate goodness in every bite.
How to Make Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions with eggs, oil, and water. Pour about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the surface gently — this will be the base layer for your dessert.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract, then continue to beat the mixture until it’s creamy and lump-free. This luscious cheesecake mixture will add a rich, velvety layer that contrasts beautifully with the dense brownie base.
Step 3: Layer Cheesecake and Cherry Pie Filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Next, spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake in little dollops, distributing the juicy cherries evenly to ensure every bite has that fruity surprise. This step lays the groundwork for a flavor party you’ll be loving.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Brownie Batter and Chocolate Chips
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the cherry and cheesecake layers. Then, take a knife and gently swirl the batter to create a delightful marbled effect — this adds such an inviting visual appeal that’s as tempting as the taste itself. Finally, sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top to give the bars those luscious melty chocolate pockets.
Step 5: Bake and Cool Completely
Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is just set but still moist. The toothpick test is key here: insert one into the bars, and it should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan for the cleanest cuts later—it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, dust the bars with powdered sugar right before serving or add a dollop of whipped cream alongside each square. Fresh cherries or a drizzle of dark chocolate ganache also make spectacular garnishes that highlight the key flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple cup of rich coffee. The cold creamy ice cream balances the dense, fudgy brownies, and coffee intensifies the chocolate notes, making for a comforting and indulgent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting these bars into bite-sized squares for a party platter or layering them in a dessert trifle with extra cherry pie filling and whipped cream. For a rustic yet polished look, leave the tops slightly uneven after baking—the marbled swirl shines through and creates a luscious, homemade charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day or two. For longer freshness, refrigeration is best, especially because of the cream cheese layer. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days refrigerated.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for later, you can freeze them tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—still amazingly fresh and moist.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed bars in a low oven (around 300°F) for about 10 minutes or until just warm. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can alter the texture. Warm bars paired with a cold scoop of ice cream? Yes, please!
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownie batter works beautifully in this recipe and adds a personal homemade touch, though using a mix keeps things quick and foolproof. Either way, you’ll get delightful results.
Do I need to use cherry pie filling or can I use fresh cherries?
Cherry pie filling provides the perfect sweet syrup and soft texture that blends well with the cream cheese layer, but you can use fresh pitted cherries if you cook them down with a little sugar to create a similar effect.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the brownie mix with your favorite gluten-free brownie mix, and double-check that all other ingredients, like the cherry pie filling, are gluten-free. The bars will still be scrumptiously indulgent.
Will the bars melt or become too soft with the cream cheese layer?
Not at all. The cream cheese bakes into a firm yet creamy layer that holds its shape well, especially after chilling. This adds a luxurious texture without making the bars messy.
What’s the best way to cut these bars for the cleanest slices?
Chilling the bars for at least an hour before cutting helps them firm up and makes cleaner slices. Use a sharp knife, and for extra neatness, wipe the blade between cuts.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something special about the Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe that makes it shine in any dessert lineup. Fudgy, creamy, fruity, and chocolaty all at once, this recipe is a perfect treat to bake for loved ones or simply savor yourself. Give it a go—you’re going to fall in love with these bars just like I did, and your taste buds will thank you endlessly!
Print
Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Irresistible Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars combine rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer and sweet cherry pie filling, finished with a marbled chocolate swirl and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 box (18.4 oz) brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as called for on package)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the brownie base: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions. Pour about two-thirds of the batter evenly into the prepared pan, spreading it out to form the base layer.
- Mix the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Spread cheesecake layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, creating a smooth and uniform layer.
- Add cherry topping: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer, distributing cherries evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Top with remaining brownie batter: Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the cherry layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the top to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips: Evenly sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the marbled batter surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. For cleaner cuts and better texture, refrigerate the bars for at least 1 hour before slicing into 16 bars.
Notes
- Refrigerate bars for at least 1 hour after cooling to achieve cleaner slices.
- You can substitute homemade brownie batter if preferred for a customized flavor.
