Description
Sinful chocolate meets creamy cheesecake in these irresistible Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies, where rich fudge layers dance with tangy strawberry swirls. Indulgent dessert perfection awaits when chocolate lovers unite for a slice of pure bliss.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Brownie Base:
- 8 oz (226 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake and Topping Layer:
- 8 oz (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam (or fresh puree)
- 1/4 cup fresh strawberries, sliced (optional)
- Extra graham cracker crumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8×8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper and applying a light grease coating.
- Create the graham cracker base by mixing crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish, then bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave, stirring at 30-second intervals until smooth. Incorporate sugar, then whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, creating a uniform layer.
- Prepare the cheesecake topping by beating cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Blend in egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Carefully dollop the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, then add scattered spoonfuls of strawberry jam on top.
- Use a knife to create gentle swirls, marbling the strawberry jam and cheesecake mixture across the surface.
- Optionally, arrange fresh strawberry slices on top of the swirled layer for additional decoration.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firm up and flavors to meld together.
- Lift the dessert out using the parchment paper, slice into squares, and garnish with additional graham cracker crumbs if desired.
Notes
- Crush graham crackers finely for a smooth, compact base that holds together perfectly without crumbling.
- Melt chocolate and butter slowly to prevent burning, ensuring a silky smooth brownie texture that’s rich and decadent.
- Use a toothpick or thin knife to create beautiful, intricate swirls in the cheesecake layer for a stunning visual presentation.
- Let ingredients like cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free cheesecake layer.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 16
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg