Description
Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Base:
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
For Garnish:
Fresh strawberries
Chocolate chips
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownie Base:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder until smooth.
Add flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until just combined.
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.
3. Bake:
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the brownies cool completely.
4. Prepare the Ganache:
Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips.
Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
5. Assemble:
Pour the ganache over the cooled brownies, spreading it evenly.
Top with fresh strawberries and chocolate chips.
6. Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour to set the ganache.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect layered brownies. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth blending. When melting the butter, do so in short 20-second bursts to avoid separation. For the brownie layer, mix just until the flour disappears; overmixing creates a tough base. When spreading the cheesecake layer, drop dollops over the brownie batter and gently smooth with an offset spatula to avoid marbling the layers. To test for doneness, the edges should be slightly puffed and the center should have a slight jiggle.
Serving Suggestions
These rich brownies are versatile. For an elegant dessert, serve small squares on individual plates with a dusting of cocoa powder and a mint sprig. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a brunch treat, cut them into bite-sized pieces. A drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of sea salt can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Prepare a fudgy brownie base from melted butter, sugar, eggs, cocoa, and dry ingredients. Separately, blend cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla for the middle layer. Spread cheesecake mix over the brownie batter and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely, then top with a simple ganache made from hot cream and chocolate chips. Garnish with strawberries and chocolate chips before chilling to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries? It’s not recommended for the garnish, as they release too much water. Thaw and thoroughly drain frozen berries if using within the batter itself.
How should I store these brownies? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The ganache and cheesecake require constant refrigeration.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for reliable results.
Why did my cheesecake layer crack? Cracking is often due to overbaking or a sudden temperature change. Ensure you bake just until set and allow the pan to cool gradually on a wire rack.
Can I freeze these brownies? Absolutely. Freeze them (ungarnished) on a tray before wrapping tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh strawberries before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese or eggs, which leads to a lumpy cheesecake layer.
- Overbaking the brownies, resulting in a dry, cakey texture instead of a fudgy base.
- Pouring warm ganache onto warm brownies, which causes the layers to melt and blend.
- Skipping the chilling step, which is essential for clean slicing and setting the ganache.
- Overmixing the brownie batter after adding flour, which develops gluten and creates a tough texture.
Conclusion
These Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are a show-stopping dessert that masterfully combines three beloved treats. While the process involves distinct layers, each step is straightforward, leading to an impressive and decadent result. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently create a perfect, crowd-pleasing dessert. The combination of rich chocolate, tangy cheesecake, fresh fruit, and silky ganache is truly irresistible. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!