Description
Indulge in these decadent Cherry Chocolate Brownie Cheesecake Bars, featuring a rich fudge brownie base topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, tangy cherry pie filling, and a swirl of chocolate chips for the perfect marbled dessert bar.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1 box (18 oz) fudge brownie mix
- 1/2 cup oil (as per box instructions)
- 2 eggs (as per box instructions)
- 1/4 cup water (as per box instructions)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Mix the brownie batter according to the package directions, combining the brownie mix with oil, eggs, and water as specified.
- Layer Brownie Batter: Pour about two-thirds of the prepared brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly to form the base layer.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Cheesecake Layer: Gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
- Add Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake layer, distributing it carefully to cover the surface.
- Top with Remaining Brownie Batter: Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cherry layer. Use a knife to swirl the batter slightly to create a marbled effect.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the swirled batter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into 16 squares for serving.
Notes
- For best results, chill the bars for at least 1 hour after cooling to help them firm up and enhance flavor.
- You may substitute fresh or frozen cherries for the pie filling by cooking them down with some sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
- Be careful not to overbake to keep the bars moist and tender.
