Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake, topped off with the fresh, sweet-tart flavor of blackberries. This dessert is a showstopper with its layers of velvety cheesecake swirled into rich chocolate brownie batter and crowned with juicy blackberries. It’s an indulgent treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a party, or just a personal treat. The combination of chocolate, cheesecake, and fruit is a match made in dessert heaven, and this recipe is sure to become a favorite!
What Makes This Dessert Special?
Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate dessert that combines the best of both worlds: decadent brownies and creamy cheesecake. The contrast between the fudgy, dense brownies and the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling makes each bite an unforgettable experience. The addition of blackberries not only adds a burst of fruity flavor but also brings a gorgeous color to the dessert. These brownies are visually stunning and incredibly delicious, offering something for every taste bud.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12-16
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Topping:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (or more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well combined, forming a thick brownie batter.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.
3. Assemble the Brownies
Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then, spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter. Gently spread it into an even layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer and swirl it together with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.
4. Add the Blackberries
In a small bowl, toss the blackberries with sugar. Gently place the sugared blackberries on top of the cheesecake layer, pressing them slightly into the batter. This will allow them to bake into the brownies and infuse their flavor into every bite.
5. Bake the Brownies
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Variations
- Berry Medley: Use a mix of berries like raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries in place of the blackberries for a delicious, colorful twist.
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie layer for an extra crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra dose of chocolate.
- Lighter Version: Replace the full-fat cream cheese with a lower-fat version and use sugar substitutes for a lighter alternative.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Whisk
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 20g
(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portions.)
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before serving.
My Cooking Experience
With over 4 years of baking experience, I can confidently say that these Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are a crowd favorite! The rich, fudgy brownie base paired with the creamy cheesecake and the sweet, tangy blackberries is an irresistible combination. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat. I love how the swirls come out so beautifully, and the added touch of fresh fruit really elevates the flavor.
Conclusion
Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect dessert for any chocolate and cheesecake lover. They combine the richness of brownies, the smoothness of cheesecake, and the fruity sweetness of blackberries in one decadent treat. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to satisfy your cravings. They’re easy to make, beautiful to serve, and absolutely delicious—what’s not to love? Give them a try, and they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert!
Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Stir until well combined, forming a thick brownie batter.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth with no lumps.
- Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then, spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter. Gently spread it into an even layer. Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer and swirl it together with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.
- In a small bowl, toss the blackberries with sugar. Gently place the sugared blackberries on top of the cheesecake layer, pressing them slightly into the batter. This will allow them to bake into the brownies and infuse their flavor into every bite.
- Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
- Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: These brownies freeze well! Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw before serving.
