If you have a soft spot for luscious desserts that combine rich chocolate with creamy tang, then this Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine fudgy, moist brownies layered with a smooth cheesecake filling swirled with vibrant strawberry jam and topped with fresh strawberries—each bite bursting with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and decadent flavors. This beautiful dessert not only looks stunning with its marbled pink and chocolate swirls but is also incredibly simple to make, promising a crowd-pleasing treat that feels special without hours of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role from texture to flavor. These pantry staples come together to create a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and full of fruity surprises.
- Brownie mix (18–19 oz): The base of the brownies, providing that deeply chocolatey, fudgy foundation everyone loves.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Typically required by the brownie mix to bind and moisten the batter perfectly.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds the luscious, creamy texture and subtle tang that cheesecake is famous for.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer just enough to balance the cream cheese’s slight tang.
- Large egg (1): Helps achieve that smooth, custardy cheesecake consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): A warm, floral note that deepens the flavor of the cheesecake layer.
- Strawberry preserves or jam (1/2 cup): Infuses that irresistible burst of fresh strawberry flavor and gorgeous pink swirls.
- Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, diced, optional): Adds freshness, texture, and a lovely pop of natural sweetness on top.
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Brownie Batter
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures that your brownies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Then, follow the instructions on your brownie mix box to prepare the batter, using the eggs, oil, and water as suggested. Pour about three-quarters of this batter into your prepared pan, creating a base layer to hold all those luscious swirls.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, one egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial—it’s how you get that dreamy cheesecake texture that balances both flavor and richness perfectly.
Step 3: Layer and Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer in the pan. Then dollop the strawberry preserves evenly on top. Add the remaining brownie batter in small spoonfuls scattered over the mixture. Now for the fun part: gently swirl everything together using a butter knife or skewer. This creates those iconic marbled patterns throughout your dessert. If you’re feeling extra fresh, sprinkle the diced strawberries on top to finish this beautiful canvas.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You want the center to be just set, so a toothpick inserted will come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to ensure clean, beautiful squares that showcase all those gorgeous layers.
How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Once cooled, these Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies shine on their own, but you can take them to the next level with some light garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while a few fresh strawberry slices laid on top enhance the dessert’s fruity aroma and aesthetic appeal. For a decadent finish, drizzle melted white chocolate or a little extra strawberry sauce over each square.
Side Dishes
Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to accentuate their richness. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the intensity of the chocolate and cream cheese layers. For a special occasion, pair them with a glass of chilled rosé or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re thinking of serving Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe at a party or gathering, try cutting them into bite-sized squares for a pretty dessert platter. Layering them in a clear trifle dish with whipped cream and fresh strawberries creates a stunning no-bake parfait alternative. You could also sandwich them between layers of frosting as a playful brownie cake or serve warm with a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an irresistible presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies keep beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Keeping them chilled not only preserves their flavor but also helps maintain that perfect cheesecake texture. Before serving, bring them to room temperature or warm slightly for that just-baked feel.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save for later, the Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe freezes well. After cooling completely, wrap individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, they maintain their flavor and texture for up to three months—perfect for a ready-made treat anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, gently reheat brownies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melts the cheesecake slightly, making each bite irresistibly gooey and comforting.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownie batter works beautifully in the Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe and can add a personal touch if you prefer making everything from scratch. Just ensure your batter is thick enough to hold the cheesecake and jam layers without sinking too much.
Is it necessary to use fresh strawberries on top?
Not at all. Fresh strawberries are optional but highly recommended if you want added texture and a burst of freshness. If unavailable, just doubling the strawberry preserves can still provide plenty of fruity flavor.
Can I substitute raspberry or another fruit jam?
Yes! Raspberry, cherry, or mixed berry jam all work wonderfully as alternatives to strawberry preserves in this recipe. Each will bring its unique twist to the flavor without sacrificing that beautiful swirl effect.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Look for edges pulling slightly away from the pan and a cheesecake layer that’s set but still slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, ensuring the brownies stay moist and rich.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
While this recipe relies on cream cheese and eggs, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and egg substitutes. The texture may vary slightly, but it’s a great way to adapt the Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe to your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is one of those magical desserts that feels like a special occasion every time you make it. The creamy cheesecake, combined with rich chocolate and fresh strawberry notes, creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how easy it is to create something so stunning and delicious from just a handful of simple ingredients. Get ready to fall in love with brownies all over again!
Print
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these luscious Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies that combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers with creamy cheesecake and a fruity strawberry swirl. Perfect for dessert lovers, this treat boasts a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box (18–19 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box — typically eggs, oil, and water)
Cheesecake Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Layers
- 1/2 cup strawberry preserves or jam
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, diced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, incorporating ingredients such as eggs, oil, and water as specified. Pour about 3/4 of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Layer Cheesecake and Strawberry Preserves: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Add small dollops of strawberry preserves on top of the cheesecake dollops. Then, spoon the remaining brownie batter in between these layers.
- Swirl Layers: Using a butter knife or skewer, gently swirl the different layers together to create a marbled effect without fully blending them.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Sprinkle diced fresh strawberries evenly over the top of the batter for added texture and flavor, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into 9 squares and serving.
Notes
- For a richer chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips to the brownie batter before baking.
- Strawberry preserves can be swapped for raspberry or mixed berry jam for variation.
- Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
