Tart Cherry Recipe: Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

Published: March 2011 | Updated: October 2025

Quick Summary

Rich, fudgy brownies meet creamy cheesecake and tart cherry swirls in this irresistible dessert. Made with Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate and Dried Cherries, these bars are a show-stopping treat that perfectly balances chocolate and cherry flavor.

Chef’s Note 

This recipe started in the Traverse Bay Farms kitchen when we wanted to bring together two customer favorites — chocolate and cherries. During one product photo shoot, we layered brownie batter with cherry-infused cheesecake filling, and the test batch vanished before we could finish cooling them.

The result was so good, our staff nicknamed them “Cherry Cheesecake Heaven.” The secret? A splash of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate gives the cheesecake layer a natural pink hue and bright, tangy flavor.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 35–40 minutes

• Yield: 16 brownies

Ingredients

Brownie Layer

• ¾ cup butter, melted

• 1 cup sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup cocoa powder

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

Cheesecake Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 1 tbsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• ½ cup Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries, finely chopped

Cherry Swirl (optional)

• 2 tbsp Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the brownie batter: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until smooth.

3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate until smooth and pink. Fold in chopped Traverse Bay Farms Dried Cherries.

4. Assemble: Spread ⅔ of the brownie batter in the pan. Gently spread cheesecake mixture on top. Drop remaining brownie batter in spoonfuls and swirl with a knife.

5. Add cherry swirl (optional): Mix juice concentrate and sugar; drizzle over the top and swirl again.

6. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set. Cool completely before slicing.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version.

• For extra cherry flavor, drizzle Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate over cooled brownies before serving.

• Chill before cutting for neat, bakery-style squares.

Nutritional Highlight

These brownies combine the antioxidant benefits of tart cherries with the indulgence of real cocoa and creamy cheesecake — a treat that tastes luxurious but includes wholesome, Michigan-grown ingredients.

Behind the Recipe

Traverse Bay Farms has always believed that healthy and delicious can coexist. The Cherry Cheesecake Brownies showcase that philosophy — each bite layers rich chocolate, creamy texture, and tart cherry flavor that celebrates the heart of Northern Michigan.

People Also Ask

Can I make Cherry Cheesecake Brownies ahead of time?
Yes — refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months for best results.

What makes these brownies tart?
The addition of Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate gives natural tartness and beautiful color.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Yes, but pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?
Yes — because of the cheesecake layer, store covered in the refrigerator.

Experience the Flavor

Bring the taste of Traverse Bay Farms to your kitchen. Bake these Cherry Cheesecake Brownies with Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate and Dried Cherries — made using as much locally grown fruit as possible and trusted nationwide for their vibrant flavor.