Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie

Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and fresh strawberry swirls with this Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie recipe. It’s a decadent dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it perfect for special occasions, gatherings, or just a well-deserved treat.

Want more decadent dessert recipes like this? Subscribe now to get mouthwatering creations delivered straight to your inbox!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Triple Layers of Goodness: Fudgy brownie base, creamy cheesecake layer, and sweet strawberry swirl.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for birthdays, holidays, or weekend indulgence.
• Visually Stunning: A show-stopping dessert with vibrant strawberry swirls.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps and pantry-friendly ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownie Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Swirl:

• ½ cup strawberry preserves (or fresh strawberry puree)
• 1 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Toothpick or knife for swirling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Base

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
3. Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer and gently spread it into an even layer.

Step 4: Create the Strawberry Swirl

1. In a small bowl, stir the strawberry preserves with 1 tbsp of water to thin slightly.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the strawberry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
3. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the strawberry preserves into the cheesecake layer, creating a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and the center no longer jiggles.
• A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
• Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang.

Step 6: Chill and Slice

• Once cooled, refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing.
• Slice into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the brownie batter until just combined to maintain a fudgy texture.
• Chill Before Slicing: Chilling makes slicing easier and helps the layers set properly.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: If using fresh strawberry puree, cook it down slightly to concentrate the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with Fresh Strawberries: Add fresh sliced strawberries for extra flavor and visual appeal.
• Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: Enhance the richness with a drizzle of melted chocolate.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich brownies.
• Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream takes this dessert to the next level.

Storage & Reheating

Storing:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Alternatively, freeze individual slices in a single layer for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight.
• Enjoy chilled or allow to come to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
   Yes, blend fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar and simmer to thicken before swirling.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?
   Yes, melt ½ cup dark chocolate and mix it into the brownie batter.
4. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   Substitute with mascarpone cheese for a similar texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers. With layers of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and sweet strawberry swirls, every bite is a burst of flavor and texture. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply indulging your sweet tooth.

Try it out and let me know how it turned out for you! Happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 180mg

Print