Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies bring together two of the best desserts in one incredible treat. Rich, fudgy brownies are swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer and bursts of sweet strawberry flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dessert, these brownies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Why These Brownies Are a Must-Try
These brownies are more than just dessert; they’re a showstopper. The combination of gooey chocolate brownie, tangy cheesecake, and fruity strawberry pie filling creates a balance of flavors and textures that feels indulgent without being complicated.
They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, or just because. Best of all, you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make them.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
A few small tricks can help you get the best results with these brownies:
- Mix Carefully: Don’t overmix the brownie batter. Stir until just combined for the fudgiest texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use room temperature cream cheese for the cheesecake layer. It blends more smoothly and creates a creamier swirl.
- Create Swirls with Care: Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cheesecake and strawberry layers. Be careful not to overdo it or mix them into the brownie layer.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating the brownies before cutting them ensures clean, sharp edges and helps the layers set perfectly.
Substitutions and Additions
These brownies are easy to customize if you want to try something different:
- Brownie Mix: Swap the box mix for your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
- Strawberry Filling: Use fresh strawberries or homemade strawberry sauce for a fresher flavor.
- Cheesecake Layer: Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a milder taste.
- Add Some Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chunks on top before baking for extra texture.
What to Serve with Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Sometimes the right topping can turn a delicious dessert into something even more extraordinary:
- Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy ice cream is the perfect match for the rich chocolate and tangy cheesecake layers.
- Fresh Strawberries: Serve with a side of fresh strawberries for a refreshing, fruity contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream to make them feel extra special.
- Coffee or Hot Chocolate: A warm drink pairs perfectly with these rich, chocolatey brownies.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to save them for later, freeze individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator for the best texture.
A Sweet Treat for Every Occasion
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect dessert to share or savor on your own. The combination of flavors and textures makes them feel indulgent and special, yet they’re so simple to make. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a regular Wednesday, these brownies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 family-size brownie mix 18-ounce
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons room temperature water
- 1 can strawberry pie filling 21 ounces
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Set the pan aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir the ingredients together until smooth, being careful not to overmix. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, use a handheld mixer on low speed to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the vanilla extract, cold heavy cream, and all-purpose flour to the cream cheese mixture. Continue blending on low speed until fully combined.
- Spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter, leaving spaces between the dollops for the strawberry pie filling.
- Add spoonfuls of the strawberry pie filling in the spaces between the cream cheese dollops, ensuring some of the brownie batter remains visible.
- Use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture and strawberry filling together. Be careful not to disturb the brownie layer underneath.
- Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie portion comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan at room temperature. Then transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.