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Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

creamy strawberry cheesecake brownies - featured image

These creamy strawberry cheesecake brownies combine a luscious cheesecake layer with moist, fudgy brownies and fresh strawberry swirls for a delicious homemade dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the strawberries: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, 2 tbsp sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside to cool completely (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and 1 cup sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
  4. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla, and lemon zest, and mix until fully incorporated.
  6. Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top, then add half of the cooled strawberry swirl mixture in small spoonfuls. Repeat layers with remaining brownie batter, cream cheese, and strawberry swirl.
  7. Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the layers together to create a marbled pattern without fully blending.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  9. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack (about 1 hour), then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  10. Use the parchment overhang to lift brownies from the pan and cut into 9 squares with a sharp knife, cleaning the knife between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps. Sift flour and cocoa powder to prevent clumps. Swirl gently to keep distinct layers. Tent with foil if brownies brown too quickly. Chill overnight for best slicing and flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownies, cheesecake brownies, strawberry swirl, dessert, easy dessert, homemade brownies, creamy cheesecake, chocolate dessert