Pomegranate Cheesecake Brownies

Do you know how healthy pomegranate juice is for you? If you don't, then you should. So let me tell you...The Pom Wonderful company has several scientific studies that have been published indicating that pomegranate juice is beneficial for heart health, muscle recovery (after workouts), erectile function and prostate health. So guys, you need to be guzzling this stuff down!! Have it with a pound or two of pecans :) If you'd like to read more about the benefits of pomegranate juice you can read it here. Besides its many health benefits, its seriously good.
The fine folks over at POM Wonderful contacted me a while back and offered to send me some pomegranate juice if I would create a new pomegranate containing recipe. I thought and thought about the recipe I would bring to the table. And, then I came up with this......A Pomegranate Cheesecake Brownie. My girls loved the color of this. It was such a pretty pinkish-lavender color, much like the Berry Muffins I made a while back. Doesn't every little girl love anything pink or purple? Even better if its a mix between the two.
This dessert was such an indulgent combination of two heavenly desserts. How can you beat a brownie with a cheesecake baked on top?!?! Well...you can't! (But if you do, let me know :) This was so good, my husband even woke me up at 2am going to get a little taste of this sinful sweet. I'm sooo not a nice person when I've just woken up. Sorry, Mr Sweets. So,  I recommend serving this early in the day so its all gone before bedtime. Enjoy!

Pomegranate Cheesecake Brownie
Ingredients:
Brownie layer:
1 c sifted all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 c. melted butter
1 c brown sugar
1 egg
1 Tbsp vanilla
Mix all ingredients until just combined. Spread into a foil-lined, greased 9 inch square pan.
Set aside.

Pomegranate Cheesecake layer
8oz. softened cream cheese
1/2 c white granular sugar
1/4 c powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla
1 egg
4 oz. pomegranate juice
1 drop red food coloring (optional, but adds a nicer color)
Cream together the sugar and cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients until blended. Pour over the top of the brownie mixture. Run a knife through the brownie and cheesecake mixture to make a swirled effect. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes. The cheesecake will look set, but still jiggle just a bit in the center. Let cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until serving