Valentine Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies (Printer View)

Fudgy chocolate brownies with a luscious strawberry cheesecake swirl, ideal for a sweet treat.

# Components:

→ Brownie Layer

01 - 4.2 oz unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 0.75 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 0.67 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 0.25 teaspoon salt

→ Strawberry Cheesecake Layer

08 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - 0.25 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 0.33 cup strawberry jam or puree
13 - 2 to 3 fresh strawberries, finely diced

→ Decoration

14 - Fresh strawberries, halved
15 - White or dark chocolate shavings

# Method:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and whisk in sugar and cocoa powder until smooth and well combined.
03 - Stir eggs into the chocolate mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Add vanilla extract and mix until blended.
04 - Fold flour and salt into the mixture using a spatula, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Pour brownie batter into prepared pan, reserving approximately 0.25 cup for swirling. Spread evenly.
06 - In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract; mix until uniform. Fold in strawberry jam or puree and diced strawberries if using.
07 - Pour cheesecake mixture evenly over brownie base. Dollop reserved brownie batter across the top in small portions. Using a knife or skewer, swirl gently to create a marbled effect throughout.
08 - Bake for 32 to 35 minutes until the center is just set. A toothpick inserted should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting to ensure clean slices and optimal texture.
10 - Cut into portions and garnish with fresh strawberry halves and chocolate shavings if desired. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for enhanced indulgence.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Two desserts collide into one elegant treat that tastes more complicated than it actually is.
  • The marbling technique looks restaurant-quality but requires nothing fancier than a knife and steady hand.
  • Valentine's Day fancy without needing to leave your kitchen or pretend you have your life together.
02 -
  • Don't skip the chilling step; brownies cut beautifully when cold but fall apart when warm, no matter how perfect your baking was.
  • If your cheesecake layer is too thick and the brownie doesn't show through, use slightly less cream cheese mixture or pour it more thinly.
03 -
  • Make homemade strawberry puree by blending fresh strawberries with a tablespoon of sugar and straining out the seeds for a cleaner, brighter flavor.
  • The key to a perfectly fudgy brownie is slightly underbaking; the edges should set while the center remains tender and you'll get that restaurant-quality texture at home.
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