Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful twist on a classic treat. Rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake with swirled with sweet strawberry jam, these brownies offer the perfect balance, best texture and great flavors.

With minimal effort, thanks to a simple brownie base that keeps things easy without sacrificing results. The cheesecake swirl adds a playful, eye-catching finish for a special occasion or just because, these brownies are the kind of easy treat that always gets noticed.

Our Strawberry Crisp and Easy Strawberry Mousse are two more effortless sweet treats that look like you spent all day in the kitchen, even though they come together with very little work.

Ingredients

Take a short trip to the grocery store to grab some essentials.

See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.

• Brownie Mix: Any of your favorite box of brownie mix will work. Make sure you have the box ingredients as well, usually vegetable oil or butter, water or milk and eggs.
• Cream Cheese, Full Fat: Used to make the cheesecake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Egg: Works as a binder and creates structure to the cheesecake.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle vanilla flavor.
• Strawberry Jam: Use whatever type of jam you prefer; I tend to buy one without chunks of fruit.

For this recipe, you'll want to have on hand measuring cups and spoons, 8-inch x 8-inch metal dish, parchment paper, mixing bowls, wire rack, electric mixer and a spatula.

Variations

• Mix Up the Layers: Add a couple tablespoons of jam or pureed fresh strawberries into the cheesecake batter for a more intense berry flavor. Use a brownie mix that has chocolate chunks for a light crunch and added chocolate. Or if you have a tried-and-true recipe for homemade brownies, you can use that instead!
• Topping Add: Drizzle the top with chocolate sauce or strawberry syrup.
• Egg: If you need to make these egg-free, try using a flax egg, yogurt or apple sauce as a substitution.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Check out how simple this one is to put together.

Preheat oven to 350F and line an 8x8 metal tin with parchment paper leaving the edge high. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, make brownie batter as instructed on the package and pour into the prepared pan.

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth (about 3 minutes) in a large mixing bowl. Be sure to stop about halfway and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then keep beating until smooth.

Add egg and pure vanilla extract to the cheesecake mixture and beat again for about 1 minute.

Carefully add the cheesecake filling layer on top of the brownie batter and spread as evenly as possible.

Add small dollops of jam to the cheesecake, then swirl it around with a butter knife or toothpick (note: be careful to not go too deep and disturb the brownie layer).

Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes (you may have a 3" diameter of jiggly batter but it will set). Shut of oven off, open the door slightly and leave in, for 30 minutes.

Set on a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes, then in the fridge for about 2 hours.

Hint: When making the cheesecake batter, do not over-mix. That can cause it to separate or become too runny. Mix until smooth but avoid over-beating.

Recipe Tips

• Let them Cool: Allow the cheesecake brownies to cool for at least 20 minutes before transferring them to the fridge to chill and set.
• Chill before Cutting: For clean cuts, refrigerate the brownies for 2-3 hours before slicing. Lightly grease a sharp knife with nonstick spray or run it under hot water if needed.
• Spoon on Cheesecake: This helps to not cause them to sink.
• Place Small Dollops: Be sure not to add too much jam in one section as it can sink in too much causing an uneven top layer.
• Larger Box: If using a 15.5-ounce (440-gram) box of brownie mix, bake 5 minutes less than the instructions on the box.

For another indulgent dessert option, try our Rolo Brownies.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Once cooled, place in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Place between wax paper or parchment paper if stacking. If you are leaving brownies in the baking tin you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Freezer: You can flash freeze the cheesecake bars for an hour on a baking sheet, then place into a freezer safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy.
• Make Ahead: You can make your cheesecake batter up to 1-2 days in advance. But you will want to make the brownies when you are putting the whole dessert together.

Serving Suggestions

• Hot Beverages: Our Caramel Mocha, Irish Coffee with Baileys or Espresso Irish Coffee all add extra decadence to this dessert.
• More Desserts: Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars, Strawberry Brownies, Red Velvet Cookie Bars or Baileys Truffles.

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Frequently Asked Questions