Sweetheart Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bites
These Sweetheart Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bites are a heavenly combination of rich chocolate brownie and creamy cheesecake, topped with a sweet and tangy cherry swirl. Perfect for sharing with your loved ones on Valentine’s Day, or anytime you’re craving a delicious treat! These bite-sized indulgences are sure to steal hearts with their luscious layers and mouthwatering flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, these cheesecake brownie bites will make every moment a little sweeter.
Ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 can cherry pie filling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a mini cupcake tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and fill each cupcake liner halfway with the brownie batter.
- In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.
- Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter in each cupcake liner, covering the surface.
- Top each cheesecake layer with a spoonful of cherry pie filling, swirling it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The brownie bites should be set and the cheesecake layer lightly browned on top.
- Cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: Store your Sweetheart Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a chilled dessert, store the bites in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezing: These brownie bites freeze wonderfully. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating Tips:
- Microwave: Reheat individual brownie bites in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.
- Oven: For a larger batch, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warm throughout.
- Serve Cold: These bites are just as delicious when served cold from the fridge, giving the cheesecake layer a creamy, chilled texture.
20 FAQ About Sweetheart Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bites:
- Can I make these bites without using a box brownie mix?
- Yes, you can use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix if you prefer.
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?
- Yes, fresh cherries can be used! You may want to cook them down with a bit of sugar to make a quick cherry compote.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese for something else?
- You can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a different flavor or to make it dairy-free.
- Can I make these without eggs?
- Yes! You can use an egg substitute, like a flaxseed mixture or applesauce, in place of the egg.
- How can I make these gluten-free?
- Simply use a gluten-free brownie mix to make these bites gluten-free.
- How do I know when these are done baking?
- A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with no wet batter on it.
- Can I use a different fruit topping?
- Absolutely! You can swap the cherry topping for strawberry, blueberry, or raspberry pie filling or fresh fruit.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Can I make these in a regular muffin tin?
- Yes! You can make them in a standard muffin tin, just be sure to adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes.
- Can I freeze the cheesecake brownie bites?
- Yes, you can freeze these bites. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Why do my cheesecake layers look runny?
- This could happen if the cream cheese was not softened enough or overmixed. Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Can I use a different flavor of pie filling?
- Yes, you can use other pie fillings, such as peach or apple, for a different flavor twist.
- Can I top these with whipped cream?
- Yes! A dollop of whipped cream or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings would be a delicious addition.
- Can I make the cream cheese layer in advance?
- Yes, the cream cheese mixture can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
- Can I add chocolate chips to the brownie mix?
- Absolutely! Add some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey treat.
- Can I use non-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, non-fat cream cheese will work, though the texture might be slightly less creamy.
- Do I need to grease the cupcake tin?
- If you’re using cupcake liners, you don’t need to grease the tin. If you’re not using liners, lightly grease the tin to prevent sticking.
- How can I make these bites more festive?
- You can decorate with Valentine’s Day-themed sprinkles, edible glitter, or even small heart-shaped candies.
- Can I add a layer of chocolate ganache on top?
- Yes, adding a layer of chocolate ganache would add richness and make them even more indulgent.
- Why did my brownie bites sink in the middle?
- This could happen if the batter was overmixed or if the cream cheese mixture was too thick. Make sure both layers are spooned in carefully.
20 Best Tips for Perfect Sweetheart Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bites:
- Soften your cream cheese to room temperature to avoid lumps in your cheesecake mixture.
- Use mini cupcake liners to keep the brownie bites perfectly portioned and easy to remove from the tin.
- Don’t overmix the cream cheese mixture—just mix until smooth to prevent a runny filling.
- Use high-quality brownie mix for the best flavor, or make your own from scratch.
- Chill the bites for a few minutes after baking to help set the cheesecake filling.
- Don’t overfill the cupcake liners—halfway full is the perfect amount for both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
- For a more decadent bite, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top after baking.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries if you don’t have pie filling—cook them down with sugar to create a quick topping.
- Allow the bites to cool completely before removing from the cupcake tin to avoid them sticking.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon to the cheesecake mixture for an added warm spice.
- Preheat your oven fully before baking to ensure even baking and prevent undercooking.
- If you’re not using cupcake liners, grease the pan lightly to help with easy removal.
- Don’t skip the swirling of cherry pie filling—it adds a beautiful, marbled effect.
- Adjust the baking time if using a standard muffin tin; check for doneness at the 20-minute mark.
- Use an ice cream scoop to evenly portion the brownie batter into each liner.
- Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra creamy finish when serving.
- Make a double batch—these are sure to be a hit, and they freeze well!
- For an extra fancy touch, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- For a gluten-free version, check the brownie mix packaging to ensure it’s gluten-free.
- Use a toothpick to check doneness; the brownie part should be firm, and the cheesecake part should be slightly set.
These Sweetheart Cherry Cheesecake Brownie Bites are sure to be a hit for any occasion, delivering the perfect blend of chocolatey, creamy, and fruity goodness in one irresistible bite!
