If you have a sweet tooth and love a delightful fusion of flavors, the Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine the rich, fudgy decadence of a brownie layered on top of smooth, creamy cheesecake, all topped with luscious cherry pie filling. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of chocolate, tangy cherries, and velvety cheesecake that will have you reaching for seconds and thirds without hesitation. These bars are not only stunning to serve but also incredibly satisfying to eat, making them a fantastic treat for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is wonderfully simple because it calls for classic, easy-to-find ingredients. Each component plays an important role in creating that wonderful texture and rich flavor that harmonize so beautifully in the finished bars.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted and cooled slightly): Provides the rich fat needed for fudgy brownies without the salt altering the flavor.
- Sugar (2 1/2 cups): Sweetens the brownies and cheesecake layers perfectly.
- Large eggs (4 eggs for brownie + 1 egg for cheesecake, room temp): Eggs add structure and moisture to both layers, making them tender and set.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp for brownie + 1 tsp for cheesecake): Boosts the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- Cocoa powder (1 cup): Gives the brownie layer that deep chocolate intensity.
- Flour (1 1/2 cups): Essential for the structure of the brownies without weighing them down.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, room temp): The star ingredient for creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer.
- Sugar (1/3 cup) for cheesecake layer: Sweetens the cheesecake just enough to complement cherries.
- Cherry pie filling (1/2 can, approximately 10.5 oz): Adds a bright, fruity twist and beautiful color to these bars.
How to Make Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, stirring until smooth. Beat in the 4 room temperature eggs and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until silky and fluffy. Sift together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then gently fold them into the wet mixture. Stir just until incorporated; overmixing can make the brownies tough, so handle the batter with care.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, loosen the cream cheese by beating it until smooth and creamy. Add the 1 egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/3 cup sugar, mixing on low speed until just combined with no lumps remaining. This luscious layer will add a creamy contrast that balances the rich brownie.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully dollop the cheesecake filling over the brownie layer in spoonfuls, then gently swirl it with a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect. Next, add spoonfuls of the cherry pie filling all over the cheesecake layer. Finally, spread the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out to cover the cherries as best as you can. The cherry pieces peeking through are part of the charm!
Step 4: Bake and Cool
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep your bars delightfully fudgy. Let the bars cool in the pan completely on a wire rack before slicing. Once cooled, chilling for a couple of hours in the fridge will make cutting cleaner and the flavors even more pronounced.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
While these bars are glorious on their own, adding a few garnishes can really elevate the experience. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy finish, while a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate can create an extra-special touch. Fresh cherries or a sprig of mint work beautifully for a pop of color that invites you to dive in.
Side Dishes
The combination of rich and fruity in this Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe means you’ll want to serve it alongside lighter, refreshing sides. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple mixed berry salad complements the bars perfectly, balancing richness and adding variety to your dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the typical rectangular bar presentation! Cut the bars into bite-sized squares and place them on a decorative platter for parties. You can also serve individual portions in small glass jars layered with whipped cream and extra cherry pie filling for a charming parfait style. No matter how you serve them, these bars will be the star of your dessert lineup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping them chilled helps the cheesecake stay firm and the brownie stay moist, maintaining their perfect contrast in texture.
Freezing
If you want to save these delicious bars for longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. They keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to retain their texture and flavor.
Reheating
These bars taste best chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This will soften the brownie layer just enough without compromising the cheesecake.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully; just make sure to pit them and cook them down with a little sugar to create a thick sauce that mimics the pie filling’s texture.
Can I substitute the cocoa powder with melted chocolate?
Yes, melted chocolate can be used, but it will change the brownie’s texture a bit. Use about 6 ounces of bittersweet chocolate melted and cooled, and reduce the butter slightly to keep the balance right.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure to pick one that includes xanthan gum or another binder to help with structure.
How thick should I cut the bars?
Cutting the bars into roughly 2-inch squares is ideal for a balanced bite of brownie, cheesecake, and cherry layers in each piece. Thinner slices might be too crumbly, while thicker ones are a delight but can be quite rich.
Can I make these bars ahead for a party?
Definitely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance and stored well in the fridge. In fact, they taste even better after some time as the flavors meld perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have the full scoop on making the Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe, I hope you’re just as excited as I am to try these mouthwatering bars at home. They’re the perfect crowd-pleaser with their irresistible layers and textures, guaranteed to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat anytime, these bars deliver joy in every bite. Happy baking!
Print
Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 20 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cherry Pie Brownie Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that layers a rich, fudgy brownie base with creamy cheesecake and a sweet cherry pie filling on top. Perfectly balanced with chocolate, cream cheese, and bursts of cherry flavor, these bars are great for parties, potlucks, or anytime you want a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup sugar
Topping
- 1/2 can cherry pie filling (about 10.5 ounces from a 21 oz can)
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add 4 large eggs and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then fold gently to combine until a uniform brownie batter forms.
- Bake the Brownie Base: Pour the brownie batter evenly into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Spread it out smoothly. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. The edges should be set but the center slightly soft. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a clean bowl, beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/3 cup sugar. Mix until smooth and well combined without overbeating.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture gently over the partially baked brownie layer and spread it evenly. Then spoon dollops of cherry pie filling over the cheesecake layer and gently swirl it with a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Bars: Return the assembled pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until the cheesecake layer is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up. Cut into bars (yielding about 20 pieces) and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Do not overbake the brownie base in the first bake to avoid a dry texture.
- Using a toothpick to gently swirl the cherry filling into the cheesecake layer creates a beautiful marbled look.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting.
