Irresistible Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies in 30 Minutes

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Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies? Oh my goodness, are you in for a treat! I remember the first time I made these – it was for my sister’s birthday, and I wanted something a little extra special. Turns out, swirling tangy cheesecake and sweet blackberries into fudgy brownies is pure magic. My secret? A tiny pinch of sea salt on top to really make those flavors pop. These rich and fudgy blackberry cheesecake brownies from scratch are seriously addictive. The creamy cheesecake with juicy blackberries against the dark chocolate…trust me, it’s a winner. Ready to bake up some happiness? Here’s how to make it!

Why You’ll Love These Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

The Perfect Dessert Combination

Seriously, who can resist brownies AND cheesecake? Buttery, fudgy brownies meet creamy, tangy cheesecake… it’s like a party in your mouth! And then you swirl in juicy blackberries? Oh, come ON! It’s a match made in dessert heaven, trust me.

Easy to Make

Don’t let the fancy swirl fool you. These blackberry cheesecake brownies are surprisingly easy to whip up. You’re basically making two simple batters and swirling them together. I promise, even if you’re not a master baker, you can totally nail this!

Customizable

Want them sweeter? Add a little more sugar to the brownie batter. Prefer a stronger blackberry flavor? Go wild with the blackberry preserves! That’s what I love about baking – you can tweak things to make it YOUR perfect treat. You can even add other berries!

Great for Any Occasion

Need a show-stopping dessert for a potluck? These blackberry cheesecake brownies are always a hit. Or maybe you just want to treat yourself after a long day? (You deserve it!). Honestly, they’re perfect for everything from casual get-togethers to fancy parties. Or, you know, just a regular Tuesday. 😉

Ingredients for Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Brownie Layer

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted. (Make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs!)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar. (Adds that perfect sweetness!)
  • 2 large eggs. (Gotta have ’em for that fudgy texture.)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Pure vanilla, please! Imitation just doesn’t cut it.)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. (Dutch-processed gives a richer flavor, but regular works too!)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. (Just enough to hold everything together.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt. (Balances the sweetness…don’t skip it!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder. (Gives the brownies a little lift.)

Cheesecake Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. (SUPER important that it’s softened, or you’ll get lumps!)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar. (Just a touch of sweetness for the cheesecake.)
  • 1 large egg. (Helps the cheesecake set up perfectly.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. (Adds a little extra somethin’ somethin’.)

Blackberry Swirl

  • 1/4 cup blackberry preserves. (Seedless is easier to swirl, but either works!)

Garnish

  • Fresh blackberries for garnish, optional. (They look so pretty on top, but totally up to you!)

How to Make Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pan and Oven

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important! You want that oven nice and hot before the blackberry cheesecake brownies go in.
  2. Step 2: Prepare your 8×8 inch baking pan. I like to line mine with parchment paper – it makes it SO much easier to lift the brownies out later. You can also grease it really well with butter or cooking spray if you don’t have parchment paper handy.

Making the Brownie Batter

  1. Step 3: Time to make the brownie magic! In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Just stir until everything’s nicely combined.
  2. Step 4: Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Now, here’s a key tip: don’t overmix! Stir until *just* combined. A few streaks of flour are totally fine. Overmixing = tough brownies, and nobody wants that!
  3. Step 5: Pour that gorgeous brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. It should look something like chocolatey heaven!

Making the Cheesecake Layer and Swirl

  1. Step 6: In another bowl (we’re almost there, I promise!), beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!
  2. Step 7: Grab a spoon, and dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Try to spread them out somewhat evenly.
  3. Step 8: Now comes the fun part! Take a butter knife and gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter. Don’t overdo it, though – you want a nice marbled effect, not a completely blended mess!
  4. Step 9: Warm up the blackberry preserves for just a few seconds in the microwave – this makes them easier to drizzle. Then, drizzle the warmed preserves over the cheesecake layer. Use that knife again to swirl the preserves into the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect. Isn’t it pretty?!

Baking and Cooling

  1. Step 10: Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if they’re done, stick a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, they’re ready! Be careful not to overbake them, or they’ll be dry.
  2. Step 11: This is the hardest part: let the blackberry cheesecake brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them. I know, it’s torture, but it’s worth it! They’ll be much easier to cut cleanly if you let them cool down.

Garnishing and Serving

  1. Step 12: (Optional, but highly recommended!) Garnish with fresh blackberries. They add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
  2. Step 13: Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy every single bite of those amazing blackberry cheesecake brownies! You deserve it!

Tips for Perfect Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

This is especially important for the cheesecake layer. If your cream cheese is cold, it won’t blend smoothly. You’ll end up with lumpy cheesecake, and nobody wants that! Room temperature ingredients blend together much more easily and evenly, giving you that perfect creamy texture.

Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to tough, chewy brownies. You want fudgy, not chewy! Just stir until the ingredients are *barely* combined. A few streaks of flour are totally okay. Trust me on this one!

Swirl Gently

When you’re swirling the cheesecake and blackberry preserves into the brownie batter, be gentle! Over-swirling will muddy the colors and you won’t get that beautiful marbled effect. A few swirls are all you need to create a gorgeous design. Think of it like you’re creating art!

Let Cool Completely

I know it’s tempting to dig in while they’re still warm, but resist! Letting the blackberry cheesecake brownies cool completely is crucial for clean cuts. Warm brownies are gooey and messy, and they’ll fall apart when you try to slice them. Be patient – it’s worth the wait!

Variations for Your Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Different Berries

Okay, so you’re not a huge blackberry fan? No problem! These blackberry cheesecake brownies are super versatile. Try using raspberries for a slightly tart twist, or blueberries for a burst of juicy sweetness. A mixed berry blend would be amazing too! Just swap out the blackberry preserves for your berry of choice, and you’re good to go. Easy peasy!

Chocolate Chips

Want to amp up the chocolate factor? (Um, yes please!). Toss some chocolate chips into the brownie batter. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, even white chocolate chips would be delicious. I’m a HUGE fan of semi-sweet chocolate chips in my blackberry cheesecake brownies, but hey, you do you! Just fold them in gently so you don’t overmix the batter.

Lemon Zest

For a little zing, try adding some lemon zest to the cheesecake layer. The bright, citrusy flavor pairs SO well with the creamy cheesecake and sweet blackberries. It’s like a little ray of sunshine in every bite! Just grate a little lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture before you beat it together. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Nutty Crunch

If you’re a nut lover (like me!), add some chopped nuts to the brownie batter or sprinkle them on top before baking. Walnuts, pecans, or even almonds would be fantastic! They add a delicious crunch and a little extra flavor. I like to toast the nuts lightly before adding them – it really brings out their nutty flavor. Yum!

Frequently Asked Questions About Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Can I use frozen blackberries?

You know, fresh blackberries are my absolute fave in these blackberry cheesecake brownies, but frozen will work in a pinch! Just thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using. They might bleed a little color into the batter, but hey, they’ll still taste amazing!

How do I store these brownies?

Okay, so if you actually have leftovers (which is a big “if” at my house!), you can store these blackberry swirl brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, pop them in the fridge – they’ll stay good for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Totally! These blackberry cream cheese brownies are actually great made a day or two in advance. The flavors have time to meld together, making them even more delicious! Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.

My cheesecake layer sank. What did I do wrong?

A sunken cheesecake layer can be a bummer, but don’t worry, it happens! It’s usually caused by overbaking or overmixing the cheesecake batter. Make sure you’re not baking the berry cheesecake brownies for too long, and be gentle when you’re mixing the cheesecake ingredients. Also, letting them cool slowly can help prevent sinking, so resist the urge to open the oven door while they’re cooling!

Can I use a different size pan?

You can definitely experiment with different pan sizes, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time accordingly. If you’re using a larger pan, the blackberry cheesecake chocolate bars will be thinner and bake faster. If you’re using a smaller pan, they’ll be thicker and take longer to bake. Just keep an eye on them and check for doneness with a toothpick!

Storing and Reheating Your Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Storing Leftovers

Okay, so you’ve managed NOT to eat all the blackberry cheesecake brownies in one sitting? I’m impressed! To keep them fresh, pop them in an airtight container. If you’re planning on devouring them within a couple of days, room temperature is just fine. But if you want them to last a little longer (up to a week, maybe?), the fridge is your best bet. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before you dig in – they taste so much better that way!

Reheating Instructions

Okay, so maybe you want that warm, gooey brownie experience again? I get it! While these blackberry marbled brownies are amazing cold, a little warmth can take them to the next level. You can zap a square in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds – just enough to warm it through without making it rubbery. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, you can warm them in a low oven (around 200°F or 93°C) for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Per Serving

Okay, so let’s talk numbers! Keep in mind, these are just estimates, and they can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big you cut those squares. But just to give you a general idea, here’s what you’re looking at per blackberry cheesecake brownie:

Calories: 300 kcal

Sugar: 25g

Sodium: 100mg

Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Unsaturated Fat: 5g

Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 40g

Fiber: 2g

Protein: 4g

Cholesterol: 50mg

Enjoy Your Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies!

Alright, my friend, you’ve officially reached the end of the recipe! Now comes the best part: sinking your teeth into those amazing blackberry cheesecake brownies! I really hope you love them as much as I do. If you give this recipe a try, pretty please leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out! I’m always so excited to hear your feedback and see your baking creations. And hey, if you’re feeling social, snap a pic and share it on Instagram or Facebook – tag me so I can admire your handiwork! Happy baking!

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Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

Irresistible Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies in 30 Minutes


  • Author: Jannet Lisa
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Indulge in rich and fudgy Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies. This dessert features a decadent chocolate brownie base, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet blackberry swirl. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup blackberry preserves
  • Fresh blackberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
  3. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
  5. In another mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, egg, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  6. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in dollops, then use a butter knife to gently swirl the two together.
  7. Warm the blackberry preserves slightly in the microwave, then drizzle it over the cheesecake layer. Use the knife to swirl the preserves into the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting into squares.
  9. Garnish with fresh blackberries if desired.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
  • Adjust the amount of blackberry preserves to your liking.
  • Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies, Blackberry Swirl Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Berry Cheesecake Brownies, Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Bars, Easy Dessert Recipe

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