Description
Indulge in these rich and fudgy Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies, featuring a luscious cheesecake layer swirled with vibrant blackberry puree. The perfect combination of chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and tart berries makes this dessert an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Blackberry Swirl:
- 3/4 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Blackberry Puree
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, lemon juice, and sugar.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until berries break down and release juices.
- Mash berries with a fork and stir in cornstarch to thicken.
- Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Let cool.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt butter and dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until just incorporated.
- Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading evenly.
Step 4: Swirl in the Blackberry Puree
- Drop spoonfuls of the blackberry puree onto the cheesecake layer.
- Use a skewer or a knife to create a marbled effect by swirling the puree into the cheesecake mixture.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set with a slight jiggle in the center.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing.
- For best results, chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter, chocolate, and cream cheese.
- Berry Swaps: Substitute blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.
- Extra Richness: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an even more indulgent texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: blackberry cheesecake brownies, fudgy brownies, chocolate cheesecake bars, berry swirl brownies, homemade brownie recipe.