Strawberry Cheesecake Brownies

These homemade brownies are loaded up with a layer of creamy cheesecake then swirled with a sweet strawberry sauce for a pop of color and flavor! Spoon the extra strawberry sauce over the top for an extra special dessert!

Author: Serene @ House of Yumm Serves: 9

Ingredients

Brownie Layer

½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick) at room temperature                                                 

½ cup white granulated sugar

½ cup light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ cup all purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Cheesecake Layer

8 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)

¼ cup white granulated sugar

1 large egg

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons strawberry sauce or can use a strawberry jam

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8x8 baking dish with foil, spray with baking spray. Set aside. In large mixing bowl prepare the brownie batter. Beat the butter until creamy. Add the sugars and cream until fluffy. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mix until combined. Add the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix until fully combined and mixture is smooth. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 12-15 minutes until the brownies are mostly set. While the brownies are baking prepare the cheesecake mixture. In a medium size bowl beat the cream cheese until creamy. Add in the sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Mix on high speed until mixture is smooth and creamy, no lumps. Spoon the cheesecake mixture on top of the pre-cooked brownies and carefully smooth out with a rubber spatula. If you spread it too roughly you will tear up the brownies underneath. Once the cheesecake layer is smoothed out, spoon the strawberry sauce or jam on top. Using a butter knife gently swirl. Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for another 20 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool for about 20 minutes on the counter, then place the pan in the fridge and allow to cool for another 2-3 hours prior to cutting. Serve and enjoy!

Notes Brownie Recipe adapted from Alton Brown's Cocoa Brownies Recipe

http://therecipecritic.com/2017/02/strawberry-cheesecake-brownies/