There’s something magical about combining two classic desserts: brownies and cheesecake. But when you add the sweet tang of blackberries, it takes the dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are a mouthwatering treat that combines rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer, all topped with a swirl of sweet blackberry preserves. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving something sweet, these brownies will be the highlight of your dessert table.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make these Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies from scratch, giving you a step-by-step guide to creating this irresistible dessert. We’ll also dive into why they’re the perfect dessert to add to your collection, and provide some helpful tips and tricks for making them even better. Plus, we’ll share a few related recipes that will pair wonderfully with this treat.

What Makes Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies So Special?

Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are an excellent blend of rich, decadent flavors and textures. The brownie layer is dense and fudgy, while the cheesecake layer is creamy and smooth. The combination of the two creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. But what sets these brownies apart from others is the blackberry swirl. The tangy-sweet preserves melt into the cheesecake layer, giving it a vibrant pop of fruitiness that complements the chocolatey richness of the brownies.

These brownies are perfect for those who love the combination of chocolate and fruit but want something a little more elevated than your standard fruit-filled desserts. Plus, the visual appeal of the blackberry swirl makes these brownies a stunning addition to any dessert spread.

Ingredients for Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

For the Brownie Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Blackberry Swirl:

1/4 cup blackberry preserves
Fresh blackberries for garnish (optional)

How to Make Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Now that you have all the ingredients, it’s time to bring this delightful dessert to life. Follow these simple instructions to make your own Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly and at the right temperature. Next, grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent the brownies from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir them together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has dissolved. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined. Then, sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir the ingredients together until the brownie batter is smooth and thick.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will form your cheesecake layer. If the cream cheese isn’t softened enough, it might be lumpy, so make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly to cover the bottom. Then, gently spread the cheesecake layer over the brownie batter. Be careful not to disturb the brownie layer too much.

Step 5: Create the Blackberry Swirl

Spoon the blackberry preserves over the cheesecake layer in random spots. Take a knife and gently swirl the blackberry preserves into the cheesecake layer. Be sure not to overdo it—just a few swirls will give it that signature marbled look.

Step 6: Bake the Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean. The cheesecake layer should be set, but still creamy. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before transferring them to the fridge.

Step 7: Cool and Refrigerate

For best results, refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the cheesecake layer time to firm up. You can also refrigerate them overnight if you’re preparing them ahead of time.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the brownies are fully chilled, top them with fresh blackberries for an added burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Why You Should Make Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

A Perfect Combination of Flavors

The combination of rich brownies, smooth cheesecake, and sweet-tart blackberries creates a dessert that’s hard to beat. Each bite is a balance of creamy, chocolaty, and fruity goodness. The blackberry preserves add a unique twist to the classic cheesecake and brownie pairing, making this treat stand out from your average dessert.

Easy to Make

Although these brownies look fancy and impressive, they’re surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you don’t have to be a professional baker to create this dessert. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced baker, these Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are accessible to all skill levels.

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a casual get-together, these Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are sure to impress your guests. Their rich, indulgent flavor makes them perfect for special occasions, while the ease of preparation means they’re also great for a weekday treat.

Customizable

These brownies are versatile and can easily be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Want to add a little extra crunch? Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or nuts over the cheesecake layer before baking. You can also experiment with other types of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry, to create a flavor profile that’s unique to your tastes.

Tips for the Perfect Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Ensure Your Cream Cheese is Softened

When making the cheesecake layer, be sure that your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients, ensuring a creamy texture. If the cream cheese is too cold, it may form lumps in the mixture, which will affect the texture of the final product.

Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter

When mixing the brownie batter, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can cause the brownies to become dense and dry. Stir the ingredients just until combined for the perfect fudgy texture.

Use High-Quality Blackberry Preserves

The quality of the blackberry preserves you use will directly impact the flavor of the brownies. Opt for a high-quality, all-natural brand, or even homemade preserves if you have the time. The preserves should have a rich, fruity flavor that complements the other layers in the brownies.

Nutritional Information

Each Blackberry Cheesecake Brownie contains approximately:

Calories: 290 kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Sugar: 22g

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies, be sure to check out these related recipes that offer a similar balance of chocolate and fruit:

FAQs for Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Do cheesecake brownies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, cheesecake brownies should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours after baking. This allows the cheesecake layer to set properly and ensures the flavors meld together. Refrigerating also helps to firm up the texture, making them easier to cut and serve.

Can you put blackberries in brownies?
Yes, you can add blackberries to brownies! Fresh or preserved blackberries can be swirled into the cheesecake layer or added on top as a garnish. They complement the chocolatey richness of the brownies and add a fruity burst of flavor.

How to cool cheesecake brownies?
Let the cheesecake brownies cool completely in the pan at room temperature after baking. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the cheesecake layer firm up, making the brownies easier to cut.

How many calories in a brownie cheesecake?
Each Blackberry Cheesecake Brownie contains approximately 290 calories. This can vary based on portion sizes and the specific ingredients used, but it provides a general estimate for this indulgent dessert.

Conclusion

Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are a perfect fusion of rich, decadent brownie and creamy cheesecake layers, topped with a swirl of sweet blackberry preserves. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving something indulgent, these brownies are the ideal dessert. Their unique combination of chocolate, cheesecake, and fruit makes them a crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for any gathering. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can make these irresistible brownies in no time. So go ahead and treat yourself to a slice (or two) of these delicious, homemade Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies, your taste buds will thank you!

Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies: A Delicious Dessert Recipe

Author: Time of Recipes
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies! With a decadent brownie base, velvety cheesecake layer, and a burst of fresh blackberry flavor, this dessert is the perfect combination of chocolatey sweetness and fruity tang. A true crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Blackberry Swirl:

1/4 cup blackberry preserves
Fresh blackberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, mix the melted butter with the sugar. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, then stir in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder until smooth.
Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Assemble Layers: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Next, spread the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie layer.
Create Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of blackberry preserves over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the preserves into the cheesecake.
Bake & Cool: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before transferring them to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Garnish & Serve: Once chilled, top with fresh blackberries for a fruity garnish and serve.

Notes

Refrigerating the brownies for at least 2 hours ensures the cheesecake layer sets and firms up.
For a more intense blackberry flavor, you can increase the amount of blackberry preserves used in the swirl.
You can also use fresh blackberries instead of preserves for the swirl if you prefer a more natural flavor.
To cut cleaner slices, let the brownies chill for a bit longer in the fridge.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 290 kcal
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies, Blackberry Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Chocolate Blackberry Dessert, Easy Brownie Recipes, Cheesecake Desserts, Blackberry Dessert Recipes, Swirled Cheesecake Brownies