If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the rich decadence of brownies with the creamy tang of cheesecake and a burst of fruity strawberry, these Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are your new dessert obsession. The layers swirl together beautifully: fudgy chocolate on the bottom, sweet cheesecake in the middle, and ribbons of strawberry on top. Each bite has a little bit of everything—chocolate, creaminess, and bright berry flavor. They’re the kind of treat that looks impressive (hello, marbled top!) but are secretly easy to make. Prepare for love at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies plays a starring role. With just a handful of pantry and fridge staples, you can create something truly spectacular, where the quality and simplicity of each element shine. Let’s break down how each one makes these brownies irresistible.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Gives the brownie base a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor—don’t substitute with margarine if you can help it!
- Granulated sugar (1 cup for brownies, 1/4 cup for cheesecake): Adds sweetness and helps the top achieve that delicious crackle; divides between the brownie and cheesecake layers.
- Large eggs (2 whole for brownies, 1 yolk for cheesecake): Provide structure, moisture, and help bind everything together for perfectly chewy brownies.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon in brownies, 1/2 teaspoon in cheesecake): Rounds out flavors and adds warmth to both the chocolatey and creamy layers.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): The key to that deep, chocolatey brownie flavor—use a good quality brand for bold taste.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Keeps the brownies tender and prevents them from getting too dense.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate notes—just a pinch goes a long way.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Creates a luscious, tangy cheesecake layer—the backbone of that classic swirl.
- Strawberry preserves or jam (1/3 cup): Adds fruity sweetness and gives those beautiful ruby swirls; you can use fresh strawberry puree if you’re feeling extra fancy.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a little overhang for easy lifting, or lightly grease the pan if you prefer. Measure out all your ingredients, let the cream cheese come to room temperature, and get ready for some mixing magic.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Base
In a medium bowl, whisk together your melted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth and glossy—this is the foundation of your brownies’ chewy bite. Add in the eggs and a teaspoon of vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt, then gently stir until just combined. Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until creamy and slightly fluffy. Add the egg yolk and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and beat again until everything is silky and uniform. Spoon dollops of this mixture evenly over your brownie batter, spacing them out so that every brownie will get a taste of cheesecake.
Step 4: Add the Strawberry Swirl
Spoon small dollops of strawberry preserves or jam in between the cheesecake blobs. Now comes the fun part: take a butter knife or toothpick and gently drag it through the batter using a swirling motion, creating gorgeous marbled patterns. Don’t overdo it—just enough to create ribbons of cheesecake and strawberry throughout the brownies.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are set and the middle just barely jiggles. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan (this is crucial for clean slices!). For ultimate fudginess and neat, layered squares, chill in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Garnishes
The strawberry swirls look stunning on their own, but if you want to go all-out, try a few garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar, fresh sliced strawberries, or a few mint leaves can add color and flair. For extra decadence, drizzle with melted chocolate or a touch of whipped cream just before serving.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are rich, so pair them with something light and refreshing to balance things out. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, tangy Greek yogurt, or an iced espresso makes the perfect companion. For a party platter, try serving them alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad.
Creative Ways to Present
These brownies are show-stoppers and deserve the spotlight! Stack them high on a pretty cake stand at brunch, cut them into bite-size squares for party trays, or layer chunks into parfait glasses with extra strawberries and whipped cream. You can even wrap individual brownies in parchment and twine as charming favors for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and sliced, store your Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist, fudgy, and flavorful for up to 4 days—making them perfect for make-ahead desserts or sneaky late-night snacks.
Freezing
To freeze, place the brownies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between the layers. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
If you prefer your brownies slightly warm (and who doesn’t?), simply microwave an individual square for about 10–15 seconds. The flavors and textures come alive, especially paired with ice cream. Avoid overheating, as it can dry out the cheesecake layer.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of preserves?
Absolutely! You can blend fresh strawberries into a puree and lightly sweeten them if needed. Just make sure the consistency isn’t too watery—otherwise, you might end up with soggy brownies. Reduced strawberry puree works beautifully for a burst of natural fruit flavor.
Do I have to chill the brownies before slicing?
Chilling isn’t mandatory, but it does make cutting much cleaner and helps the layers set for that perfect swirl effect. If you don’t mind a softer slice, you can let them cool to room temperature and dig right in, but for those neat bakery-style squares, chilling is your friend.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on your bake time and test for doneness in the center—it may take a few minutes longer. You’ll have plenty of Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies to go around!
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The edges will be set and start to pull away from the pan, while the center should be just set—not jiggly, but not dry. Insert a toothpick near the center; a few moist crumbs are perfect, but it shouldn’t be wet. Be careful not to overbake for the fudge factor!
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
A chilled brownie, a sharp knife, and a quick wipe between each cut are your best friends. You’ll get beautiful, tidy pieces with distinct cheesecake and strawberry swirls every time. If you want picture-perfect brownies, don’t skip this step!
Final Thoughts
Bringing together chocolate, cheesecake, and strawberries in one swoon-worthy bite, Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are sure to become a treasured treat in your kitchen. Don’t be surprised if these disappear in record time—once you share them, everyone will want your secret. Grab your ingredients, swirl, bake, and then savor every moment!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Yield: 9 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake and sweet strawberry preserves in these Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies. A delightful treat for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the brownie layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the cheesecake layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the strawberry swirl:
- 1/3 cup strawberry preserves or jam
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it lightly.
- Make the brownie layer: Mix melted butter and sugar, then add eggs, vanilla, cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Pour the batter into the pan.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth. Spoon over the brownie batter.
- Add the strawberry swirl: Drop strawberry preserves over the cheesecake layer and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake and cool: Bake for 30–35 minutes until set, then cool completely before slicing. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh strawberry puree for the preserves.
- Store brownies in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
