Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

The Ultimate Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies: A Decadent Delight

When it comes to indulgent desserts, Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies stand out as a perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries. This recipe combines these flavors in a delightful way, making it a must-try for anyone looking to impress at a gathering or simply satisfy their sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the detailed process of creating this delectable treat, ensuring every bite is a piece of heaven.

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Puree:

• 200 g strawberries
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

For the Brownie Layer:

• 140 g unsalted butter
• 85 g dark chocolate
• 3 eggs
• 120 g granulated sugar
• 120 g soft light brown sugar
• 60 g plain flour
• 30 g cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 300 g cream cheese
• 80 g granulated sugar
• 20 g corn flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 120 ml double cream, warm (heated in the microwave for about 30 seconds)
• 60 g white chocolate, melted

Directions

Pre-heat and Prepare: Start by pre-heating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch square cake tin with parchment paper, ensuring easy removal of the brownies later.

Making the Strawberry Puree:

1. Add the strawberries to a food processor and blend until smooth. Sieve the mixture to remove seeds, resulting in a fine puree.
2. Pour the sieved puree into a pot, add the tablespoon of sugar, and stir well.
3. Place the pot on medium heat, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Transfer the puree to a bowl and refrigerate to cool.

Preparing the Brownie Batter:

1. In a pot, melt the butter and dark chocolate together over medium heat, or use a microwave. Set aside to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whip the mixture until it lightens in color and slightly increases in volume, which should take about 2 minutes.
3. Gradually add the cooled butter and chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking until well incorporated.
4. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
5. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared cake tin and refrigerate for 20 minutes to firm up.

Creating the Cheesecake Batter:

1. In another large bowl, mix the cream cheese, granulated sugar, corn flour, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
2. Gradually add the warm double cream, mixing thoroughly. Follow with the melted white chocolate, ensuring a smooth and creamy cheesecake batter.

Assembling the Layers:

1. Once the brownie batter has chilled, carefully spread the cheesecake batter over it, creating an even layer.
2. Spoon dollops of the chilled strawberry puree on top of the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the puree through the cheesecake for a marbled effect. You may have some puree left over, which can be used as a topping later.

Baking:

1. Place the assembled batter into the pre-heated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. The brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs from the brownie layer but no raw batter. The cheesecake layer should still be slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and allow the brownies to cool inside the oven for 20 minutes. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer.
3. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature.

Chilling:

1. Once cooled, refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set firmly.
2. When ready to serve, cut the brownies into squares and enjoy the rich, layered treat.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

1. Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality chocolate and fresh strawberries significantly enhances the overall flavor of the brownies.
2. Even Layers: Ensure the brownie layer is evenly spread and sufficiently chilled before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent mixing.
3. Marbling Technique: Swirling the strawberry puree not only adds aesthetic appeal but also distributes the fruity flavor throughout the cheesecake layer.
4. Cooling Process: Gradual cooling in the oven followed by refrigeration is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and preventing cracks in the cheesecake.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are versatile and can be served in various ways:

• Plain: Enjoy them as they are for a pure, unadulterated treat.
• With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
• Topped with Fresh Strawberries: Add fresh, sliced strawberries on top for added freshness and color.
• Drizzled with Chocolate: A drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate can add an extra layer of decadence.

Storing and Freezing

Storing: Keep the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors intensify over time, making them taste even better a day or two after baking.

Freezing: These brownies can be frozen for up to three months. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.