Description
Delight in the rich and decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies, featuring a fudgy chocolate brownie base layered with creamy cheesecake and a luscious strawberry swirl. Perfectly baked to set the layers, this dessert offers a harmonious blend of chocolate, cream cheese, and fresh strawberry flavors for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (64 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (40 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Strawberry Swirl
- 1 ½ cups (383 g) strawberry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Make Brownie Layer – Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, kosher salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Make Brownie Layer – Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla extract, and melted cooled butter until smooth. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Spread Brownie Batter: Evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared 9×9-inch pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Set aside while preparing the cheesecake layer.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Spread Cheesecake Mixture: Carefully pour and spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
- Add Strawberry Swirl: Dollop the strawberry pie filling in small spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer. Gently spread the filling slightly to create a layer, but leave some unevenness for swirling.
- Swirl Strawberry into Cheesecake: Using a knife or skewer, swirl the strawberry pie filling and the cheesecake layer together in a few random spots, being careful not to mix into the brownie layer below.
- Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool to Room Temperature: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour to prevent cracking and help set the layers.
- Chill Thoroughly: After cooling, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Cut and Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing and rich dessert experience.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.
- You can substitute the strawberry pie filling with fresh strawberries mixed with a bit of sugar and cornstarch for a fresher swirl.
- Use parchment paper to make removing the brownies from the pan easy and clean.
- Baking time may vary depending on your oven; start checking at 35 minutes.
- Chilling the brownies overnight yields the best texture and flavor.
- For a nutty twist, consider folding chopped nuts into the brownie batter before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry cheesecake brownies, cheesecake brownies, chocolate brownies, strawberry swirl dessert, layered brownies
