Introduction to Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
Let’s face it: life can be a whirlwind, especially for busy moms and professionals. That’s why I’m excited to share my recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars. Imagine sinking your teeth into a luscious brownie, perfectly paired with a creamy cheesecake center, all crowned with gloriously sweet glacé cherries. It’s like a festive hug in dessert form, making it the perfect treat to impress your loved ones or enjoy after a long day. Plus, these bars are a delightful way to satisfy that sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars are a dream come true for any busy kitchen. They blend rich, fudgy brownie goodness with creamy cheesecake in one easy-to-make dessert. With just a little prep work, you can whip up a decadent treat that dazzles the taste buds of family and friends. Plus, they’re perfect for making ahead, giving you more time to enjoy life’s sweet moments!
Ingredients for Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
Creating these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars is all about gathering some delightful ingredients that bring joy to your taste buds. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake center, providing that creamy texture. Opt for full-fat for the richest flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: To sweeten your cheesecake filling and brownie batter, adding just the right amount of sweetness.
- Large Egg: This helps bind the cheesecake layer, creating a smooth and rich consistency.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances flavor wonderfully; pure vanilla is ideal for authenticity. You can even use vanilla bean paste for extra luxury!
- Plain Flour: This helps to stabilize both the brownie and cheesecake layers. You might substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
- Glacé Cherries: These sweet gems add a pop of flavor and a lovely finish to the bars. Chopped cherries are essential for easy distribution!
- Cocoa Powder: For that chocolatey depth in your brownies, leading to a rich and fudgy texture.
- Baking Soda: This little helper makes your brownies rise perfectly, ensuring a light texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and richness; use unsalted to control the saltiness of your dessert. You can replace it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option!
- Light Brown Sugar: This brings an extra layer of sweetness and moisture, contributing to that lovely, chewy texture.
- Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: For those chocolate lovers, these enhance the brownie layer! Dark chips can give a richer taste.
Exact measurements for each ingredient are available at the bottom of the article, perfect for printing and future reference!
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
Now that we’ve gathered our delightful ingredients, let’s transform them into the luscious Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars of our dreams! With clear steps, you’ll create a heavenly dessert that melts in your mouth. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
To start, grab a mixing bowl and beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until combined well. Stir in the egg thoroughly—this binds everything together and enhances creaminess. The secret to a perfect cheesecake filling? Sift in the flour gently! Finally, fold in those vibrant chopped glacé cherries. This mixture should be thick, creamy, and full of fruity goodness; set it aside while we work on the brownie base!
Preheat and Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is essential for getting that perfect bake. Next, take a 23×33 cm baking pan, lightly grease it with butter, and line it with parchment paper. The paper acts as a trusty lifeguard, ensuring your glorious creation pops out smoothly later on. This step makes cutting those bars a breeze!
Make the Brownie Batter
Now let’s whip up the brownie batter! Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl; this ensures no clumps sneak in. In a mixer, combine melted unsalted butter with both sugars and vanilla extract, mixing until it looks like a shiny river. Once that’s perfect, add the eggs all at once. Mix just until combined. Here’s the golden rule: gently fold the dry ingredients into this luscious mixture; overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of that fudgy delight we crave. Finally, stir in the dark chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey kick!
Layering the Mixtures
For the fun part! Start by spreading half of the brownie batter evenly at the bottom of the prepared pan. Gently spoon the creamy cheesecake mixture on top, being careful not to mix the layers. Use an offset spatula to smooth it out. Finally, dollop the rest of the brownie batter over the cheesecake. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Just avoid swirling too much; we want those layers to shine through like a beautiful sunset!
Bake the Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
It’s time for the oven! Bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the top looks crackly and dry, with edges that peek away from the pan. When you poke a toothpick in the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. Once baked, allow your masterpiece to cool completely in the pan before cutting into scrumptious bars. Remember, patience is key for clean cuts. Store them in an airtight container, or freeze for later indulgence!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened for a silky texture.
- Use a rubber spatula to fold ingredients gently, preventing overmixing.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and clean cuts.
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to maintain their shape.
- For a festive touch, garnish with extra glacé cherries on top!
Equipment Needed
- Baking pan (23×33 cm): A standard baking dish works; just adjust your baking time.
- Mixing bowls: Use any size—just make sure they’re big enough to handle it all!
- Electric mixer: A hand mixer or whisk can work if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Offset spatula: A regular spatula works too for spreading the layers.
- Parchment paper: If you’re out, grease the pan well to avoid sticking!
Variations of Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a delightful crunch.
- Berry Bliss: Swap out glacé cherries for fresh raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist!
- Gluten-Free Goodness: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these bars suitable for everyone.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use vegan butter for a plant-based version.
- Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate cheesecake filling by mixing cocoa powder into the cream cheese for a double chocolate treat!
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Pair with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm mug of hot chocolate.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.
- Present on a colorful platter for a festive gathering!
FAQs about Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
Can I use fresh cherries instead of glacé cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be a delightful substitute; just make sure to pit and chop them. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor is refreshing and delicious.
How do I store leftover Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars?
Store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, they freeze beautifully! Just layer them with parchment paper and keep them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Can I make these brownies in advance?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead. Just bake, cool, and store them as mentioned above. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld! Enjoy them guilt-free later.
What if I don’t have a mixer?
No problem! You can mix everything by hand using a sturdy whisk or spatula. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugars thoroughly together for that extra smooth texture!
Are these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Definitely! Simply swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. This way, everyone can enjoy this fabulous treat, no matter their dietary needs!
Final Thoughts
These Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars are more than just a dessert; they’re a labor of love that brings families together. Each bite offers a delightful explosion of flavors—rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cherries that dance on your palate. The simplicity of this recipe allows you to create an impressive treat without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself after a busy week, these bars are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this delicious adventure—you won’t regret it!
Print
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies Bars
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 12-16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent treat that combines rich brownie and creamy cheesecake topped with sweet glacé cherries.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the egg and mix until fully incorporated. Sift in the flour and blend until well combined. Fold in the chopped glacé cherries. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23×33 cm baking pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.
- Melt the butter and beat together with the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in an electric mixer at low speed. Once combined, add all the eggs at once and mix until the sugars dissolve completely for at least 10 minutes at the lowest mixer speed.
- Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand to avoid overmixing.
- Spread half of the brownie batter evenly over the bottom of the prepared pan. Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture on top, spreading gently with an offset spatula if needed. Top with the remaining brownie batter, smoothing the surface using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top appears crackled and dry and the edges begin to pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted in the centre should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars. Store in an airtight container. Suitable for freezing.
Notes
- Allow the brownies to cool completely for better cutting.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for freshness.
- Suitable for freezing if you want to make ahead.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
