- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 (18.25 ounce) package fudge brownie mix
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
- 1/2 cup mini semisweet chocolate pieces
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel (optional)
- 1 (21 ounce) can LUCKY LEAF® Regular or Premium Cherry Fruit Filling
- Frozen whipped dessert topping, thawed
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, stir together brownie mix, one egg and oil until combined. Stir in chocolate pieces. Spread batter in prepared pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until brownie is just set. (It will not be completely done at this point.)
- Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until well combined and smooth. Add in the eggs on low speed and set the mixture aside. Carefully spoon 1/2 can (1 cup) of LUCKY LEAF Cherry Pie Filling into center of brownie, leaving a 2-inch brownie border along sides of pan.
- Dollop cream cheese mixture over surface; carefully spread to edges of pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until center is set, but jiggles when the pan is lightly tapped. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and chill at least 4 hours before serving.
- Top cheesecake with remaining LUCKY LEAF Cherry Pie Filling. Garnish with whipped topping, if desired.