Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about a dessert that combines the richness of fudgy brownies with the silky smoothness of cheesecake, all tied together with bright bursts of berry flavor? Let me introduce you to these blackberry cheesecake brownies – the dessert that's been stealing the show at every gathering I bring them to! These luscious treats feature a decadent chocolate brownie base topped with a velvety cream cheese layer swirled with sweet-tart blackberries. What makes these blackberry cheesecake brownies truly special is how the three distinct elements come together – the deep chocolate notes, the tangy cream cheese, and the fresh fruit – creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures in every bite.
Why You'll Love This Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
If you're looking for the best blackberry cheesecake brownies recipe that delivers every time, you've found it! These aren't just ordinary brownies – they're a spectacular dessert that combines three beloved treats in one irresistible package. Many recipes claim to be show-stoppers, but these blackberry brownie cheesecake bars truly live up to the hype.
What makes this recipe stand out from other blackberry cheesecake recipes is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The fudgy brownie base provides a rich chocolate foundation while the Philadelphia cream cheese layer adds that signature tangy creaminess we all crave. Unlike some no-bake blackberry cheesecake options, these brownies develop incredible depth of flavor through baking, creating that perfect marriage between the chocolate and cream cheese.
These brownies look as impressive as something from Delish or Oh Sweet Basil, but you don't need any fancy equipment or professional skills to make them. The stunning purple swirls from the blackberries create a beautiful marbled effect that makes these treats as gorgeous as they are delicious. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because it's Tuesday, these blackberry cheesecake brownies will make any day feel like a celebration.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
- Ingredients For Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
- How To Make Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment For Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
- Storage
- What to Serve With Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
- Top Tip
- Grandmama's Magic Touch
- FAQ
- Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies That Never Lets You Down!
- Related
- Pairing
- Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients For Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
For the Fudgy Brownie Base:
- (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Blackberry Cheesecake Swirl:
- (2 blocks) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
- Sranulated sugar
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Vanilla extract
- Fresh blackberries, divided (plus extra for garnish)
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
Prep Work (15 minutes)
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Set out the Philadelphia cream cheese to soften if you haven't already.
- Rinse the blackberries and gently pat dry with paper towels.
Making the Fudgy Brownie Base (15 minutes)
- Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals.
- Whisk the sugar into the melted butter until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined – don't overmix for the best blackberry cheesecake brownies texture.
- Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Creating the Blackberry Cheesecake Swirl (15 minutes)
- Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
- Add sugar to the cream cheese and beat until well incorporated.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mash 1 cup of blackberries in a small bowl with a fork.
- Stir the lemon juice and cornstarch into the mashed blackberries.
- Fold the blackberry mixture into ⅔ of the cheesecake batter, creating the perfect blackberry cheesecake brownie swirl base.
- Pour the plain cheesecake batter over the brownie layer.
- Dollop the blackberry cheesecake mixture on top.
- Swirl the two cheesecake batters together using a knife or skewer, creating beautiful purple marbling like those famous Delish blackberry cheesecake brownies.
- Scatter the remaining whole blackberries on top, pressing them slightly into the batter.
Baking and Cooling (1 hour baking + 3 hours cooling)
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick 2 inches from the edge – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the blackberry cheesecake bars completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour).
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor and easiest cutting.
- Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges on your blackberry brownie cheesecake squares.
- Garnish with additional fresh blackberries if desired.
Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: For the creamiest blackberry cheesecake brownie, use full-fat Philadelphia cream cheese. If needed, Neufchâtel cheese works as a lighter alternative.
- Blackberries: While fresh berries create the best blackberry cream cheese brownies, frozen blackberries work too – just thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Transform these into gluten-free blackberry chocolate brownies by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Dairy-Free: Make dairy-free blackberry cream brownies by using plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Mix It Up: These homemade cheesecake brownies are also delicious as berry swirl cheesecake brownies with raspberries or a mixed berry combination.
- Chocolate: For extra fudgy blackberry brownies, use high-quality chocolate. Dark chocolate creates deeper flavor in these fruit cheesecake brownie bars.
Variations
Want to put your own spin on these blackberry cheesecake brownies? Here are some creative variations that keep the essence of the original while offering exciting new flavor profiles:
White Chocolate Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
Transform these treats by swapping semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate in both the brownie base and as a drizzle on top. The creamy sweetness of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the tart blackberries, creating an elegant color contrast of purple against ivory.
Triple Berry Cheesecake Brownies
Can't decide on just one berry? Create a mixed berry version by using equal parts blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries. This colorful variation creates a beautiful marble effect with different shades of purple and red, plus each bite offers slightly different berry notes.
Lemon Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
Add the zest of one lemon to the cheesecake mixture and an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to the blackberry puree. This bright, citrusy twist enhances the blackberry flavor and adds a refreshing dimension to these fudgy blackberry brownies.
Equipment For Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Two mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Small bowl for mashing berries
- Fork for mashing berries
- Knife or skewer for swirling
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Storage
One of the best things about these blackberry cheesecake brownies is how well they keep. Here's everything you need to know about storing, freezing, and serving these delectable treats:
Refrigerator Storage
- How long do blackberry cheesecake brownies last in the fridge? These brownies will keep perfectly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the blackberry flavor gets a chance to deepen and meld with the cheesecake.
- Best storage method: Store cut brownies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. For the best texture, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
Freezer Storage
- Can you freeze blackberry cheesecake brownies? Absolutely! These blackberry dessert bars freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Freezing instructions: After cutting into squares, place the brownies on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag with parchment paper between layers.
- Thawing tips: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Individual brownies can be thawed at room temperature for about 1 hour.
What to Serve With Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
These blackberry cheesecake brownies are a standout dessert on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors can elevate your dessert experience to new heights. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:
Perfect Pairings
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The classic combination of warm brownies and cold ice cream is unbeatable. Try warming your blackberry cheesecake brownie slightly before topping with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream.
- Homemade Blackberry Sauce: Double down on the blackberry flavor by serving these brownies with an easy blackberry sauce. Simply simmer 2 cups of blackberries with ¼ cup of sugar and a tablespoon of lemon juice until thickened.
- Fresh Berries: Create a beautiful berry medley with additional blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a fresh contrast to the rich brownies.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For serious chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over these blackberry cheesecake bars just before serving.
Beverage Pairings
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of a good coffee perfectly balances the sweetness of these brownies, making it an ideal companion for your blackberry brownie cheesecake.
- Milk: Sometimes the simplest pairing is the best – a cold glass of milk complements these fudgy blackberry brownies beautifully.
- Dessert Wine: For an elegant touch, serve these blackberry cream cheese brownies with a late-harvest Riesling or a ruby port.
- Hot Chocolate: Create the ultimate chocolate experience by pairing these brownies with a rich hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
Top Tip
The most stunning blackberry cheesecake brownies have beautiful, distinct swirls that showcase both the creamy cheesecake and vibrant blackberry colors. Here's my game-changing tip: Chill your plain cheesecake batter for 15-20 minutes before swirling! This slight thickening makes it less likely to blend completely with the blackberry mixture, resulting in more defined, picture-perfect swirls that will make your dessert look like it came from a professional bakery. Use a light touch with your knife or skewer, making just 4-5 figure-eight motions across the pan – less is more when it comes to creating those Instagram-worthy marble patterns!
Grandmama's Magic Touch
My grandmother's blackberry cheesecake brownies were legendary in our small town—people literally requested them for every special occasion. Her secret? She always added a splash of pure almond extract to the brownie base. "It's what makes Philadelphia blackberry cheesecake brownies truly special," she'd whisper while letting me lick the spoon. That subtle nutty warmth creates magic with the chocolate and berries in a way vanilla extract alone never could.
Another trick from her weathered recipe box: she'd reserve a few tablespoons of brownie batter to dollop over the cream cheese layer before swirling, creating those picture-perfect blackberry cream cheese brownies that would make Oh Sweet Basil proud. Sometimes, creating the best blackberry cheesecake brownies isn't about fancy techniques—it's about honoring those little touches passed down through generations. Try adding ½ teaspoon of almond extract to your next batch and let me know if you can taste the difference that made Grandmama's recipe so requested at family gatherings!
FAQ
How to make cheesecake brownies in a preppy kitchen?
In a preppy kitchen setup, focus on organization and quality equipment. Use a stand mixer for the smoothest cheesecake batter, line your baking pan with parchment with neat, crisp edges, and invest in a good quality offset spatula for perfectly smooth layers. Preppy kitchens emphasize precision, so use a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients and a proper cooling rack for even cooling.
Can you put blackberries in brownies?
Yes! Blackberries add wonderful moisture, flavor, and color to brownies. For these blackberry cheesecake brownies, they create beautiful purple swirls in the cheesecake layer. You can also fold whole blackberries directly into brownie batter for blackberry chocolate brownies—the berries will soften while baking and create pockets of jammy goodness.
What can I make with brownie mix and cream cheese?
With just boxed brownie mix and cream cheese, you can create simplified blackberry cheesecake brownies! Prepare the brownie mix according to package directions. In a separate bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese with ⅓ cup sugar, 1 egg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Pour ⅔ of the brownie batter into a prepared pan, top with the cream cheese mixture, add blackberry preserves for swirling, then dollop remaining brownie batter on top and create swirls with a knife.
Is blackberry cheesecake indica or sativa?
Blackberry Cheesecake is typically an indica-dominant hybrid cannabis strain, not a food. This question seems to be confusing the dessert recipe with a cannabis strain that has a similar name. This recipe is for an actual blackberry cheesecake brownie dessert that contains no cannabis products and is completely legal to make and enjoy anywhere.
Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies That Never Lets You Down!
These blackberry cheesecake brownies aren't just a dessert—they're a showstopper that combines three beloved treats into one irresistible package. The contrast between fudgy chocolate brownie, creamy cheesecake, and bright, juicy blackberries creates a dessert experience you won't soon forget.
Whether you follow my recipe exactly or add your own twist, I'd love to hear how your blackberry brownie cheesecake adventure turns out! Drop a comment below with your results or tag me in your photos. And if you love this fruit-chocolate combination, don't miss my Sweet Potato Brownies , Turtle Brownies , or Fruit Pizza Sugar Cookie for more berry-licious inspiration. Happy baking, friends!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan (Lined with parchment paper)
- Parchment paper (For easy lifting and clean edges)
- Mixing bowls (One large, one medium)
- Electric mixer (Hand or stand mixer)
- Whisk (For mixing batter)
- Rubber spatula (For folding and spreading)
- Small bowl (For mashing blackberries)
- Fork (For mashing blackberries)
- Knife or skewer (For swirling the cheesecake layers)
- Measuring cups & spoons (For accuracy)
- Wire cooling rack (For proper cooling)
Ingredients
For the Fudgy Brownie Base:
- 1 cup Unsalted butter - 2 sticks
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 4 Large eggs - Room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- ¾ cup Unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Blackberry Cheesecake Swirl:
- 16 oz Cream cheese - 2 blocks, softened
- ⅔ cup Granulated sugar
- 2 Large eggs - Room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Fresh blackberries - Divided
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice - Fresh
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
- Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals.
- Whisk sugar into melted butter. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Fold dry ingredients into wet. Stir in chocolate chips.
- Spread brownie batter evenly in prepared pan.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, then eggs one at a time, and vanilla.
- Mash 1 cup of blackberries. Stir in lemon juice and cornstarch.
- Mix mashed berries into ⅔ of cheesecake batter. Pour plain cheesecake over brownies, dollop berry cheesecake on top, and swirl.
- Press remaining whole blackberries gently into the top.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes until edges are set and center slightly jiggly.
- Cool in pan for 1 hour, then chill in fridge at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Lift with parchment, slice with sharp knife (wipe between cuts). Garnish if desired.
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