Description
Indulgent brownie cheesecake bars swirled with cherry filling and topped with chocolate.
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cherry Swirl:
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- For the Brownie Base: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- For the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan.
- For the Cherry Swirl: In a small bowl, whisk together cherry preserves and lemon juice. Dollop spoonfuls of the cherry mixture over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cherry mixture into the cheesecake.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cherry swirls and cheesecake layer. Swirl gently to create a marbled effect.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
Notes
- For a more intense cherry flavor, you can add fresh or frozen cherries to the preserves.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Chilling is crucial for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American