[These cherry cheesecake brownies are sponsored by Harry and David.]
Brownies have always made me happy, but these cherry cheesecake swirl brownies have me downright giddy.
Cherries were a big deal in my childhood home. I remember the thrill of the first box of cherries each season—sitting at the kitchen table and eating them one by one, savoring that bright summer sweetness. They still signal summer for me, and when I find great cherries, I get excited.
I’m happy to be partnering again with Harry and David. I’ve loved their fruit gifts for years—pear boxes at the holidays were a beloved tradition—and their fresh cherries are outstanding. They arrive in excellent condition and have a perfect, natural sweetness that everyone in my family fights over.
Of course I wanted to feature those cherries in something special. Cherry season is one of my favorites, and pairing cherries with chocolate and cheesecake felt like the perfect celebration.
Just look at that brownie batter—rich, glossy, and irresistible.
Cherry cheesecake brownies have long been a favorite of mine. If I had to pick a last dessert, cheesecake or brownies—or both—would be at the top of the list. A cheesecake swirl transforms fudgy brownies into something creamier and more decadent.
Making a cherry cheesecake swirl is simpler than you might think: chop fresh cherries, fold them into the cheesecake mixture, and swirl it into the brownie batter. I also fold extra chopped cherries into the brownie batter itself, along with dark chocolate chunks—so every bite has real cherry flavor and rich chocolate.
Cherries, chocolate, and cheesecake—what’s not to love?
Cherry Cheesecake Brownies
Cherry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
9
to 12 brownies
30 mins
40 mins
1 hr 10 mins
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh Harry & David cherries
Cherry cheesecake swirl
- 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese softened
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh Harry & David cherries
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, cocoa powder, and sugar until smooth. Whisk in the egg and vanilla. Stir in the flour and salt just until combined. Fold in the chocolate and chopped cherries.
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Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Cherry cheesecake swirl
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In the bowl of a mixer (or with a hand mixer), beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, and chopped cherries and beat until combined.
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Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter.
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Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the brownies are set in the center and the cheesecake topping is lightly golden. Let cool completely before slicing.
Notes
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Oh, the fudginess.