Description
This Strawberry Brownie Cheesecake is a delightful layered dessert combining a rich, fudgy brownie base with a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, topped with fluffy whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a luscious treat, it combines the best of chocolate and cheesecake in one stunning, flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 3/4 cup (98g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (57g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups (310g) sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Cheesecake Filling
- 20 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) sugar
- 3 tbsp (44g) sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
Whipped Cream Topping
- 2/3 cup (160ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/3 cup (38g) powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick baking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownie.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, blend vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until thoroughly mixed.
- Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until combined without overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Bake the brownie: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the brownie: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack until completely cool.
- Prepare the pan again: Clean the pan, reassemble the springform, and line the sides with parchment paper extending about an inch above the pan sides to prevent overflow. Place the cooled brownie back into the pan.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat room-temperature cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
- Whip cream for filling: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Fold whipped cream into cheesecake: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions until well incorporated without deflating the mixture.
- Assemble cheesecake layer: Pour the cheesecake filling over the brownie layer in the pan, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours, until firm.
- Remove cheesecake from pan: After chilling, release the springform pan. Carefully peel off the parchment paper around the sides and smooth edges with an offset spatula if desired.
- Prepare whipped cream topping: In a clean bowl, whip the remaining 2/3 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to stiff peaks.
- Add topping and garnish: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled cheesecake, then arrange the sliced strawberries on top.
- Final refrigeration and storage: Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator until ready to serve. Store covered or in an airtight container; best enjoyed within 4-5 days.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling without lumps.
- Don’t overmix the brownie batter to keep it tender and fudgy.
- Chilling time of 4-5 hours is essential for the cheesecake to set properly.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best topping flavor.
- This cheesecake is best served cold and can be stored in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry brownie cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, layered dessert, creamy cheesecake, fudgy brownies, whipped cream topping, homemade cheesecake
