Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect dessert for those who love the rich taste of chocolate paired with a creamy twist. The brownie base is decadent and fudgy, while the cheesecake swirl adds a smooth, tangy contrast. The blackberry sauce brings a touch of tartness, balancing out the sweetness in the brownies. The marbled effect is not only visually stunning but also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a dinner party or enjoying them with a cup of coffee, these brownies are sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

FOR THE BROWNIE LAYER:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt

FOR THE CHEESECAKE SWIRL:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 2 ounces melted dark chocolate (for a chocolate swirl)

FOR THE BLACKBERRY SWIRL:

¾ cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Blackberry Swirl:

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and mash the berries slightly as they heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens. For a smooth texture, strain out the seeds. Set aside to cool.

2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together using the microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth, then let cool slightly.
Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the melted butter and chocolate mixture.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until combined.
Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

3. Make the Cheesecake Swirl:

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. If using melted dark chocolate, divide the cheesecake batter in half and mix the chocolate into one portion.
Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.

4. Add the Blackberry Swirl:

Spoon the blackberry sauce over the cheesecake layer in small dollops. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the blackberry and cheesecake together, creating a marbled effect.

5. Bake:

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set. The edges will be slightly puffed, but the middle should still have a slight jiggle. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. Chilling them in the refrigerator for a few hours will make slicing easier.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 (depending on the size of the slices)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Add nuts: For extra texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie layer.
Chocolate swirl: If you want a richer chocolate flavor, add the optional melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake batter for a chocolate swirl.
Different fruit swirl: While blackberries are perfect for this recipe, you can use other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. You can also freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying them again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries for the blackberry swirl?

Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before making the blackberry sauce.

Can I make these brownies without the cheesecake swirl?

Yes, you can make regular brownies without the cheesecake layer. Just skip the cheesecake swirl ingredients and bake the brownie batter on its own.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The center should be just set, with a slight jiggle in the middle. The edges will puff up slightly, but the center will still remain soft. You can insert a toothpick to check for doneness — it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can I use a larger baking pan?

If you use a larger pan, you may need to reduce the baking time, as the batter will spread thinner and cook faster. Keep an eye on it and adjust accordingly.

Can I add a topping to these brownies?

For an extra touch, top these brownies with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh blackberries, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce before serving.

Conclusion

Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves a mix of rich chocolate, tangy cheesecake, and fruity freshness. The smooth cheesecake layer and the marbled blackberry swirl create a stunning, flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make yet indulgent enough to impress your guests, these brownies are sure to be a crowd favorite!

Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies

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Decadent brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a homemade blackberry sauce, creating a perfect balance of rich chocolate, tangy cheesecake, and fresh fruit.

Author: Amy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 brownies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Make the Blackberry Swirl: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Stir and mash the berries slightly as they heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Strain out the seeds for a smooth texture and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Brownie Batter: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second intervals in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth, then let cool slightly. Whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla into the melted butter and chocolate mixture. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Make the Cheesecake Swirl: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. If using melted dark chocolate, divide the cheesecake batter in half and mix the chocolate into one portion. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.
Add the Blackberry Swirl: Spoon the blackberry sauce over the cheesecake layer in small dollops. Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the blackberry and cheesecake together to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set with a slight jiggle in the middle. The edges will be puffed. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. Chilling them for a few hours in the refrigerator will make slicing easier.