These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are a mashup of tangy cheesecake filling with chocolatey brownies. The brownies are treated almost like a crust, and the cream cheese mixture has dollops of sweet strawberry jam to brighten up the dessert. The flavors and textures are exceptional!
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I like that it doesn’t take a long time to prepare the layers of these strawberry cream cheese brownies. Easy desserts are top-tier because you can spend more time indulging in them than working in the kitchen. Waiting for these to bake and cool is the most difficult because they make your whole house smell scrumptious!
If you like strawberry cheesecake dessert recipes, you will love this Strawberry Cheesecake Fluff Salad and our Strawberry Cheesecake Fudge.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a cheap treat: I love inexpensive desserts that taste gourmet, and this is one of them! The boxed mix is the perfect shortcut for these strawberry swirl brownies but doesn’t sacrifice texture or flavor.
- It’s great any time: You can make these strawberry cream cheese brownies whenever you want. Try them at a gathering or a bake sale! They’re even great as a treat after a weekend family dinner.
- It’s simple to make: This isn’t a complicated recipe. It’s very easy to follow and uses basic techniques, so you don’t have to be a professional to make them.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delectable strawberry brownie recipe. I use simple items that come together to create a rich and luscious dessert.
- Brownies: You’ll need your favorite brand and variety of brownie mix, along with the ingredients listed on the back. I like to use the kind that has chocolate chunks in the mix.
- Cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened so you can get a perfectly rich and creamy cheesecake layer. I set it on the counter for at least 30 minutes before I start preparing this strawberry brownie recipe.
- Sugar: I keep it simple here with white granulated sugar. It mixes well with the other ingredients, provides the perfect sweetness, and will bake, so there’s no need to worry about a grainy texture.
- Egg: This is key in the structure of the cheesecake layer. It also adds flavor, too. I always use at least one egg in any baked cheesecake recipe.
- Vanilla extract: I love adding some vanilla to the cream cheese mixture to enhance the other flavors while adding a hint of vanilla.
- Strawberry jam: You can use any variety of strawberry jam you want. Even homemade will work! Try strawberry preserves if you want strawberry chunks.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Raspberry jam: Swap the strawberry jam for raspberry to create another flavored cheesecake brownie.
- Add nuts to the brownies: Stir chopped walnuts or even pecans into the brownie mix before it bakes for extra texture.
- Add chocolate to the cheesecake: Add ½ cup of melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolate explosion!
How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Here are the instructions on how to make this strawberry cheesecake brownie recipe. To get started, line a metal 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 1: Make the brownie batter. Combine the brownie mix and the ingredients listed on the package to make your smooth brownie batter.
Step 2: Transfer and bake. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan and pop it in the oven for however long the package says, minus 5 minutes.
Step 3: Combine cream cheese and sugar. When the brownies are almost done, start the cheesecake layer by beating the cream cheese and sugar in a separate bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy.
Step 4: Add egg and vanilla. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until they are combined.
Step 5: Grab the brownies. As soon as the brownies are ready, pull them out of the oven.
Step 6: Top with cheesecake and jam. Spoon the cheesecake mixture on top and add several dollops of the strawberry jam.
Step 7: Swirl and bake. Gently swirl the jam into the cheesecake with a toothpick. Then, stick it in the oven and bake it for another 20 minutes.
Step 8: Cool, chill, and slice. Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack and then place them in the fridge for at least 3 hours to chill. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t over-mix the cheesecake: Over-mixing the cheesecake mixture can incorporate too much air, causing cracks when baking and a dense texture. If the cream cheese is perfectly softened, it will be easier to mix in the other ingredients and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Skip the toothpick test with the cheesecake: The cheesecake will still be a little soft and jiggly in the middle. If you do the toothpick test, it won’t come out clean, and that’s fine!
- Puree fresh strawberries: Try pureeing fresh strawberries instead of using strawberry jam. This provides more freshness. Add a little sugar for sweetness, too!
If you love recipes like this cheesecake brownie mash-up, you may also enjoy this Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store these strawberry cheesecake brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: This strawberry cheesecake brownie recipe is perfect to make in advance because it needs a few hours to chill in the refrigerator. I like to make it the day before I plan to serve it and allow it to chill all night.
Serving Suggestions
- Make your dessert extra indulgent by including a scoop of ice cream. Red velvet ice cream and strawberry crunch ice cream are great choices!
- Drizzle some banana syrup on top for extra fruity goodness!
- Have a hot beverage like a spiked Dalgona coffee or a chilled one like this caramel milkshake along with your brownies.
- Top the brownies with fresh strawberries before serving, if you like!
Recipe FAQs
Sure! Try this recipe with your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Ensure that they are super fudgy for the best result.
Of course! Make mini versions in a muffin tin. Add liners and bake the brownie “crust” for 15-20 minutes, and then an additional 15 minutes when the cheesecake layer.
You may, but I don’t recommend it. The parchment paper is best because you need to take the whole thing out of the pan to slice it properly. This is harder to do with a spatula.
More Delicious Brownie Recipes
Do you like brownies? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section, I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 15.5-ounce box brownie mix plus box ingredients (440 grams)
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup water
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 8-ounce brick cream cheese full fat and softened
- 65 grams granulated sugar about ⅓ cup
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jam
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8x8 metal pan with parchment paper leaving the edge high. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, make brownie batter as instructed on the package and pour into the metal pan. Bake based on the box instructions, less 5 minutes.
- Start cream cheese mixture when there is about 5 minutes left on the brownies, by, beating cream cheese and sugar until smooth (about 3 minutes) in a large bowl.
- Add egg and pure vanilla extract to the mixture and beat again for about 1 minute.
- When the brownies are complete, leave the oven on and carefully but quickly add the cheesecake layer on top with a spoon.
- Add small dollops of jam to the cheesecake layer, then swirl it around with a knife or toothpick (note: be careful to not go too deep and disturb the brownie later).
- Place the metal pan back into the oven and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Transfer the pan to a wire rack and when cool, chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
Notes
- Store your strawberry cheesecake brownies in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will last up to 4 days.
- Try this dessert recipe using your favorite homemade brownies to take them up a notch!
- Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake layer so it doesn’t crack in the oven or take on a dense texture.
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