
Triple-Layer Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies feature a crunchy graham base, fudgy chocolate middle, and a tangy cheesecake top dotted with strawberry jam ribbons. These mouthwatering treats combine different textures - from crisp crust to dense brownie to smooth cheesecake - creating an impressive dessert that'll satisfy any sweet tooth. This simple yet fancy creation mixes familiar American brownie goodness with the zip of cheesecake, giving you a rich treat that's surprisingly easy to make.
INGREDIENTS- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted for graham base
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, for graham mixture
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 1/2 cups, for bottom layer
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened for brownies
- Semi-sweet chocolate: 8 oz, chopped (or 1 cup chips), for brownie mixture
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for brownie sweetening
- Eggs: 3 large, for structure
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for taste
- All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup, for texture
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup, for chocolate depth
- Salt: 1/4 tsp, to boost flavors
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened for top layer
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup, for cheesecake sweetener
- Egg: 1 large, for cheesecake mixture
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for cheesecake flavor
- Strawberry jam (or fresh puree): 1/4 cup, for marble effect
- Fresh strawberries: 1/4 cup, sliced (optional), for decoration
- Extra graham cracker crumbs: optional, for sprinkling
- Step 1:
- Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper, then give it a light coat of cooking spray.
- Step 2:
- Mix graham crumbs with melted butter and sugar in a bowl. Push this mix firmly into your pan and bake 8-10 minutes. Set aside to cool down.
- Step 3:
- For brownies, melt butter and chocolate in microwave, stirring after each 30-second burst. Add sugar, then slowly beat in eggs, followed by vanilla. Gently fold in flour, cocoa, and salt. Spread this mix over your cooled crust.
- Step 4:
- Mix cream cheese and sugar until light and airy. Add egg and vanilla until smooth. Drop spoonfuls of strawberry jam on top and create swirls using a knife tip.
- Step 5:
- If you want, scatter sliced strawberries on top and bake 30-35 minutes until the middle barely jiggles. Let cool completely on your counter.
- Step 6:
- Put in fridge for at least 2 hours after cooling. When ready to serve, lift using parchment edges, cut into squares, and sprinkle with extra graham crumbs if you'd like.
- These taste best when they're cold from the fridge.
- Keep any extras in a sealed container in your fridge for up to 5 days.
- Want more strawberry kick? Try real strawberry puree instead of jam.
- Leave them in the fridge overnight for cleaner cuts and prettier layers.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Tip: Run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts for prettier squares.
- Chef Tip: Try adding some fresh lemon zest to your cheesecake mix for a bright pop of flavor.
These brownies bring together the best of three worlds – chocolate, cheesecake, and strawberry – making a treat that'll wow your taste buds.
FAQsCan I swap out the strawberry for something else?
Sure thing. Raspberry or blueberry jam works great too.
How do I make the brownies more gooey?
Just use 1-2 tablespoons less flour and they'll turn out fudgier.
Can I make these a day early?
They're actually better that way. The overnight chill makes them easier to cut.
Will these freeze well?
Yep, just wrap them tight in plastic and they'll keep frozen for up to 2 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before eating.
