Fudgy Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

These strawberry cheesecake swirl brownies are the ultimate dessert mashup: fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a creamy strawberry cheesecake layer. With simple pantry ingredients and just 35 minutes of bake time, they're almost too easy for how impressive they look.

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Watch how to make this

Recipe

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Make strawberry cheesecake

Everyone has their own idea of their perfect brownie. Some like it cakier, some like it more fudgy. This fudgy strawberry cheesecake swirl brownie has a fudgy interior, but the cheesecake layer helps lighten the texture. Really, it's the best of both worlds!

Plus, chocolate and strawberry are a match made in heaven. These brownies are another addition to my strawberry dark chocolate muffins, chocolate covered strawberry pie, and hazelnut strawberry butter cup, all of which showcase that beautiful pairing.

The great thing about brownies is that they're just so easy to make. Sure, these strawberry cheesecake swirl brownies call for an extra step, but it's still very easy.

First, puree fresh or frozen strawberries until smooth. We're only using ½ cup because if you add too much liquid to the cheesecake batter, it won't thicken properly. Luckily, it's enough to add that lovely berry flavor.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until well combined. Then, add the strawberry puree and egg, mixing until well combined.

Set that side while you prepare the brownie layer.

Step 2: Prepare brownie layer

To make the brownie layer, mix the dry ingredients, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, instant coffee granules, salt, and baking powder.

My professor at the Culinary Institute of America taught me that instant coffee is a great ingredient that enhances the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee taste. It's a baker's secret for richer, more intense brownies.

Whisk together the wet ingredients, including vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Then, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a batter forms.

Now, take out ½ cup of the brownie batter and combine it with 1 tablespoon of water. We need to thin out the batter just a touch so that it will swirl more easily into the cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Bake

Spread the remaining brownie batter into the prepared baking dish into an even layer. You don't have to line the baking sheet with parchment paper, but I prefer to so that it's easier to remove.

Pour the strawberry cheesecake filling on top. Then comes the fun part. Place dollops of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife to make pretty swirls.

Bake the brownies for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set. Once the edges of the brownies start to pull away from the pan, they're ready. The center will still be a little jiggly.

Let the dessert cool, then transfer it to the refridgerator to chill for at least 1 hour.

My oh my, these strawberry cheesecake swirl brownies really hit it out of the park. The brownies are rich, but the tang from the strawberry cream cheese helps to balance the flavors. Even my husband, who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, was thoroughly impressed with this dessert. Now, please send help before I devour the entire pan!

Make-ahead and storage

• Make-ahead: You can make the strawberry puree the day before. You can also bake the dessert the day before serving, since it needs to chill before it can be sliced.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refridgerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, let them sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before enjoying.

More strawberry dessert recipes

Looking for more strawberry dessert ideas? Try these: