These Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies offer the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownie layers and a creamy, fruity cheesecake topping. Swirled with blackberry sauce and finished with a tangy hint of lemon, this dessert is a showstopper at any gathering. The layers are easy to make, though the chilling time is essential to get the perfect texture and flavor. Plan ahead and let these cool to perfection for a sweet treat that will leave everyone asking for more.
Quick Benefits
- Indulgent and Flavorful: The combination of rich brownies, creamy cheesecake, and fruity blackberry sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors.
- Customizable: The blackberry sauce can be swapped out for other berries or fruit purees if desired.
- Perfect for Gatherings: This dessert is a crowd-pleaser at parties, bake sales, or family gatherings.
- Filling: The brownies and cheesecake filling offer a satisfying texture and rich flavor that make these treats feel like a decadent indulgence.
Essential Ingredients
Blackberry Sauce:
- Frozen Blackberries: Provides a tart and sweet flavor base for the sauce.
- White Sugar: Sweetens the sauce to balance the tartness of the berries.
- Lemon Juice & Lemon Zest: Adds a bright citrusy note that complements the sweetness of the blackberries.
- Cornstarch & Water: Used to thicken the sauce and give it a syrupy consistency.
Brownie Layer:
- Unsalted Butter: Gives the brownie layer its rich, fudgy texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
- Eggs & Egg Yolk: Helps bind the batter together and create a soft, chewy texture.
- Cocoa Powder: For the rich chocolate flavor in the brownie layer.
- All-Purpose Flour & Baking Soda: Provides structure and leavening to the brownie layer.
Cheesecake Layer:
- Cream Cheese: The base of the cheesecake layer, creating a creamy, smooth filling.
- White Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
- Egg White: Adds texture and helps set the cheesecake layer.
- Lemon Juice & Vanilla Extract: Provides a fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Gives the cheesecake layer a smooth, creamy texture.
Preparation Steps
- Make Blackberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine frozen blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and zest. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, until the berries break down. Press the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Return the juice to the pan, add cornstarch and water, and simmer until thickened. Allow the sauce to cool completely.
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing for overhang on all sides.
- Prepare the Brownie Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, flour, and baking soda until just combined. Spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, salt, and nutmeg until smooth. Add egg white, lemon juice, and vanilla, mixing well. Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer and smooth out.
- Add Blackberry Swirls: Drop dollops of the cooled blackberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to swirl the sauce into the cheesecake, being careful not to mix it into the brownie layer.
- Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, until the center is mostly set and the edges are golden brown. Let cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into 16 bars.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Protein: The cheesecake layer and eggs provide a good amount of protein, helping to keep you feeling full.
- Antioxidants: Blackberries are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, which supports immune function.
- Calcium: The cream cheese and heavy cream in the cheesecake layer provide a small amount of calcium, which is important for bone health.
- Moderate in Calories: With 260 calories per serving, these brownies offer a satisfying dessert without overindulging.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Fresh Berries: For an extra burst of freshness, serve these brownies with a few fresh blackberries or raspberries on the side.
- Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream pairs perfectly with these rich, creamy brownies.
- Coffee or Tea Pairing: These brownies go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them the perfect treat for an afternoon snack or dessert.
Creative Variations
- Use Other Berries: Swap out blackberries for other fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for different flavor profiles.
- Add Nuts: For a crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds on top before baking.
- Make It Chocolatey: Add mini chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra layer of chocolate flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use a non-dairy cream cheese, egg substitute, and plant-based heavy cream to make a vegan version of these brownies.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep them fresh and firm.
- Freezing: You can freeze these brownies for up to 1 month. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in a freezer-safe container.
- Serving After Freezing: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.
Pro Tips
- Chill Before Cutting: Make sure the brownies chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This ensures that the layers set properly and makes cutting easier.
- Perfect Swirls: When swirling the blackberry sauce, don’t over-mix it into the cheesecake layer. A few gentle swirls will create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining the pan with parchment paper allows for easy removal of the brownies once they’ve cooled, making cutting into perfect bars much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies require chilling time, so they’re perfect for making a day ahead. The flavors meld even better when allowed to chill overnight.
Can I use fresh blackberries instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh blackberries for the sauce, though frozen blackberries tend to break down more easily and may yield more juice.
Can I add other flavors to the cheesecake layer?
Absolutely! You can add flavored extracts such as almond or coconut, or even swirl in some fruit preserves for a different taste.
Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and chocolatey goodness. With their elegant layers and delightful swirl, these brownies are sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth!
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Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Delight
Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent dessert that combines a rich chocolate brownie base with a creamy, fruity cheesecake layer swirled with homemade blackberry sauce. This indulgent treat is perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet combination of chocolate and fruit flavors. With a beautiful marbled appearance and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, these brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Total Time: 6 hrs 25 mins
Ingredients
Blackberry Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups frozen blackberries
- 1/4 cup white sugar, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces full fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg white, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, at room temperature
Instructions
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For blackberry sauce, combine frozen blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small saucepan set over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring often, until berries fall apart, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove mixture from heat, and pour into a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl. Use the back of a wooden spoon or spatula to press berry mixture through the sieve, extracting as much juice as possible. Discard seeds. Pour sauce back into saucepan and bring to a simmer over low heat.
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Stir cornstarch and water together in a small bowl until thoroughly combined; stir cornstarch slurry into blackberry sauce and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and allow blackberry sauce to cool completely, about 20 minutes. The sauce can be refrigerated to speed up cooling.
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line an 8×8-inch square pan with enough parchment paper to have overhang on all sides.
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Prepare brownie layer: whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and salt together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Whisk in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until thoroughly incorporated. Add in cocoa powder, flour, and baking soda and stir until just combined. Batter will be somewhat thick. Spread brownie batter into the prepared pan in a smooth, even layer.
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Prepare cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, white sugar, salt, and nutmeg together in a bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in egg white, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix until thoroughly incorporated. Pour in heavy cream and mix until combined. Pour cheesecake layer over brownie layer and smooth into an even layer.
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Place dollops of the cooled blackberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to swirl only the cheesecake layer and blackberry sauce together; taking care not to go into the brownie layer. Swirl as many or as few times as needed to get the desired marbled effect.
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Bake in the preheated oven until the center of the bars are puffed and mostly set, 55 to 60 minutes. The edges will bake up taller than the center, and will begin to turn golden brown when they are done. Allow bars to cool to room temperature in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours to overnight. Cut into 16 bars before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 260 per serving
