Introduction To Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts—rich, fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake with a delightful strawberry flavor. These brownies feature a luscious cream cheese layer that perfectly complements the strawberry cake mix base, making for a dessert that is as delicious as it is beautiful. With the addition of Golden Oreos, each bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, with a crisp bite of cookie alongside the smooth cream cheese and moist brownie layers. The strawberry gelatin enhances the flavor, giving these brownies a burst of fruity sweetness that everyone will love.

These brownies are simple to make and require minimal ingredients, yet the result is a decadent treat that looks and tastes impressive. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family gathering, or simply indulging on a cozy afternoon, these Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are sure to be a hit. The combination of strawberry and cream cheese is a classic pairing that never disappoints, while the Golden Oreos add a crunchy, buttery twist to every bite.

This recipe is also versatile—you can switch up the cake mix or use different flavored gelatin if you prefer a twist on the traditional strawberry. Vanilla extract and a dollop of heavy cream in the cream cheese layer give the dessert an extra smooth, velvety texture that will make everyone come back for seconds.

Let’s dive into the simple steps to create these mouthwatering Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies, and get ready to treat your taste buds to an unforgettable dessert!

Ingredients and Basic Recipe

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent treat that combines the best of both worlds: the rich, tangy cream cheese layer of a cheesecake and the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberry cake mix. Swirled with a buttery, dense brownie base, topped with crushed Golden Oreos, and finished with a creamy, dreamy cheesecake topping, these brownies are sure to be a crowd favorite at any gathering or sweet indulgence moment.

Ingredients

Scale

For the brownie base:

1 box strawberry cake mix
1/2 cup salted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (Jell-O)

For the cheesecake layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream

For the topping:

1/2 standard package of Golden Oreos (about 12–14 cookies), crushed

Instructions

Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.

Make the brownie base:

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and strawberry gelatin. Stir until the batter is smooth and fully combined.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly, ensuring it covers the bottom of the pan.

Make the cheesecake layer:

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until fully incorporated.

Add the heavy cream and beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Assemble the brownies:

Spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter in dollops and spread it out evenly, covering the entire surface.

Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.

Add the Oreo topping:

Evenly sprinkle the crushed Golden Oreos over the top of the cheesecake layer, gently pressing them into the surface so they stick.

Bake the brownies:

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter).

The cheesecake layer should be set and slightly golden on the edges.

Cool and serve:

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares and serve.

For an extra indulgent treat, you can drizzle a bit of extra heavy cream or a strawberry sauce on top before serving.

Notes

For a fun variation, you can swap the Golden Oreos with any other type of cookie, like chocolate sandwich cookies, or even use crushed graham crackers for a different texture.
If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, try adding a handful of chopped fresh strawberries to the brownie batter or topping before baking.
These brownies store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or they can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Make the brownie base: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until fully combined and smooth. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Gradually add the heavy cream and beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy.
Add the strawberry gelatin: Stir in the strawberry gelatin powder to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well to combine.
Assemble the layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie base in the pan. Gently press the Golden Oreos into the cheesecake layer, ensuring they’re spaced evenly.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownies comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into squares.

These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are a perfect blend of rich, sweet, and creamy flavors, with a crunchy Oreo surprise in every bite. Whether you enjoy them warm or chilled, they will quickly become a favorite go-to dessert.

Advanced Techniques

For those who want to elevate their Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies, here are a few advanced techniques to take the flavor and presentation to the next level.

Swirl the Layers for Visual Appeal:

If you want a more aesthetically pleasing dessert, consider swirling the cream cheese layer into the strawberry cake mix layer before baking. To do this, spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and use a toothpick or knife to swirl them together. This will give your brownies a marbled effect and an extra touch of elegance.

Enhance with Fresh Strawberries:

For an even more strawberry-forward dessert, consider adding fresh strawberries to the recipe. Chop up fresh strawberries and fold them into the cream cheese layer or arrange them on top of the brownies before baking. This will add an extra burst of fruity freshness and make the dessert feel even more indulgent.

Use a Springform Pan:

If you want to achieve perfect, clean slices, use a springform pan for easy removal. Once the brownies are baked and cooled, simply release the sides of the pan and transfer the brownies to a serving platter. This method also makes the dessert look even more impressive when served at parties or gatherings.

Add a Sweet Glaze:

For a finishing touch, drizzle a sweet glaze over the cooled brownies. Mix powdered sugar with a little bit of milk to create a simple glaze, and drizzle it over the top. The glaze will add an extra layer of sweetness and a glossy finish that looks beautiful.

Freeze for a Cooler Treat:

If you prefer a cooler treat, chill the Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies in the fridge for a few hours after baking. This allows the cream cheese layer to firm up and gives the brownies a more chilled, cheesecake-like texture. For an even more refreshing experience, serve them straight from the fridge on a hot day.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

To keep your Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They will remain soft and delicious for the first 2 days, but the texture may start to change slightly after that. If you want to preserve them longer, store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

For the best texture and flavor, let the brownies come to room temperature before serving if they have been refrigerated. If you want to reheat them, simply microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat them as this could affect the texture.

To freeze the brownies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for about an hour or place them in the fridge overnight. When ready to serve, they’ll taste just as fresh as when they were first made.

For those who prefer to enjoy the brownies cold, they are just as delightful when chilled and can be served straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat. Chilling the brownies also helps set the cream cheese layer, making them easier to slice.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you’re looking to make Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies that fit dietary preferences or restrictions, here are some helpful substitutions.

Gluten-Free Version:

To make these brownies gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular strawberry cake mix. You can also opt for gluten-free Golden Oreos or simply leave them out if you prefer a gluten-free version without the cookies.

Dairy-Free Version:

For a dairy-free alternative, swap out the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese such as Tofutti or Daiya. Use dairy-free butter and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. You can also use dairy-free Golden Oreos if you need a fully dairy-free option.

Low-Sugar Version:

If you need to reduce sugar intake, use a sugar-free strawberry cake mix and sugar-free strawberry gelatin. Additionally, substitute the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer with a sugar substitute such as Stevia or Erythritol. The Golden Oreos can be replaced with a sugar-free alternative if necessary.

Vegan Version:

To make the brownies vegan, use a vegan cake mix and replace the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs. Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter to make the cream cheese layer. Vegan-friendly Golden Oreos can be used as well, ensuring the whole dessert is plant-based.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?

Yes! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to use a vanilla, chocolate, or lemon cake mix instead of the strawberry. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile, but it’s a great way to experiment with new combinations.

Can I make these brownies without the Golden Oreos?

Yes, you can make the brownies without the Golden Oreos. If you prefer, you can add other cookies, such as chocolate chip cookies, or even layer in some crumbled graham crackers for added texture.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

To prevent cracking, be sure not to overbake the brownies. The cheesecake layer should set but remain soft and creamy. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure the cheesecake layer holds its shape.

Can I make these brownies in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the brownies ahead of time. Bake them and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. For optimal flavor and texture, serve them within a few days of baking.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that combines two beloved treats in one. With a rich cream cheese layer, strawberry cake mix, and Golden Oreos, these brownies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a family dinner, or simply enjoying them at home, they’re a perfect treat for any occasion. The blend of creamy, fruity, and cookie elements make them irresistibly delicious. Try this recipe today and enjoy the blissful combination of cheesecake and brownies in every bite!

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies – Sweet & Creamy Dessert with a Crunch