Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- ½ cup room-temperature unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lightly packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces room-temperature cream cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce (or strawberry jam)
Instructions
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 x 8 x 2-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a 1-inch overhang on the sides for easy removal. Spray the parchment with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, beat ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ cup light brown sugar with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Flavoring: Mix in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste until fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift together ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt, then add to the wet mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Parbake Brownie Layer: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake for 12-15 minutes until mostly set but slightly soft in the center.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: While the brownie layer bakes, beat 8 ounces room-temperature cream cheese with ¼ cup granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, scraping the bowl sides to remove lumps.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Assemble Layers: Spoon the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm brownies, smoothing gently with a spatula to avoid disturbing the brownie layer beneath.
- Swirl Strawberry Sauce: Drizzle 2 tablespoons strawberry sauce over the cheesecake layer. Using a butter knife tip, gently swirl the strawberry sauce into the cheesecake mixture, taking care not to mix it too deeply.
- Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheesecake layer is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Chill: Let the brownies cool on a counter for about 20 minutes, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Chill for 2-3 hours to fully set before cutting.
- Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Cut into 9 equal pieces and serve chilled or at room temperature for a perfect balance of fudgy chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and fruity strawberry flavor.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Swirling the strawberry sauce gently helps create beautiful patterns and maintains distinct flavor layers.
- Cut the brownies after chilling for clean, neat slices.
- Substitute strawberry sauce with any berry jam or preserves for varied flavor.
- Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American