High-protein chocolate strawberry cheesecake brownies – no baking required
Love chocolate brownies? Love strawberry cheesecake? What if you could combine both into one delicious, creamy, protein-rich dessert without even turning on the oven?
These no-bake chocolate strawberry cheesecake brownies bring together a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie base with a smooth, creamy strawberry cheesecake layer and fresh strawberries on top.
They're chocolatey, fruity, indulgent and made with ingredients including almonds, walnuts, cashews, strawberries and Medjool dates.
And the best part? You can add protein powder to give them an extra protein boost!
Whether you're looking for a healthier chocolate dessert, a make-ahead sweet treat or something delicious to enjoy with your afternoon coffee, these no-bake strawberry cheesecake brownies are definitely worth trying.
Why you'll love these chocolate strawberry cheesecake brownies
There are so many reasons to love this recipe!
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No baking required: No oven, no complicated baking techniques.
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Chocolate and strawberry cheesecake together: Two delicious dessert flavours in one.
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10g protein per serve: With the option to increase the protein by adding protein powder.
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7g fibre per serve: From ingredients including dates, nuts and strawberries.
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Naturally sweetened: Using Medjool dates, strawberries and maple syrup.
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Dairy-free ingredients: A creamy cheesecake-style filling without traditional cream cheese.
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Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead and store it in the freezer.
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Made with nourishing ingredients: Including nuts, fruit and plant-based fats.
No-bake chocolate strawberry cheesecake brownies recipe
Serves: 12
Preparation time: Approximately 20 minutes, plus cashew soaking
Freezing time: 3–4 hours
Difficulty: Easy
P.S you can get this recipe and 2,000 more in the Zing Wellbeing app
Ingredients
For the chocolate brownie base
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1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
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1½ cups almond flour
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½ cup raw walnuts
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½ cup cocoa powder
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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½ tsp salt
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Optional: 1 serve of Zing Wellbeing Chocolate Protein Powder
For the strawberry cheesecake layer
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1½ cups raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
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250ml light coconut milk
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1 cup strawberries, diced
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¼ cup maple syrup
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¼ cup melted coconut oil
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3 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping
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1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
Method
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Prepare your tin. Line a 20cm x 20cm (8 x 8-inch) baking dish with baking paper, leaving some overhanging the sides to make removing the brownies easier.
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Make the chocolate brownie base. Add the Medjool dates, almond flour, walnuts, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and salt to a food processor. If using protein powder, add it now. Blend until the mixture becomes crumbly and sticky. If it feels too dry, add a small amount of water until it holds together when pressed.
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Press into the tin. Transfer the brownie mixture to the prepared baking dish and press firmly and evenly across the bottom. Set aside.
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Prepare the strawberry cheesecake filling. Drain the soaked cashews. Add them to a high-speed blender with the coconut milk, strawberries, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon juice and vanilla extract.
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Blend until creamy. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, thick and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
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Assemble the brownies. Pour the strawberry cheesecake mixture over the chocolate brownie base, spreading evenly.
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Add the strawberries. Sprinkle the remaining diced strawberries over the cheesecake layer.
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Freeze until set. Place in the freezer for approximately 3–4 hours, or until firm.
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Slice and enjoy. Remove from the freezer and allow to soften for approximately 25–30 minutes before slicing into 12 portions.
Tip: For neat slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
Nutritional information per serve
Based on 12 serves, without optional protein powder.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Fibre | 7g |
Nutrition values are supplied estimates and will vary depending on ingredients, brands and serving sizes.
Want to make these brownies higher in protein?
One of the easiest ways to boost the protein content is by adding a serve of Zing Wellbeing Chocolate Protein Powder to the brownie base.
Our chocolate protein powder is made with organic plant-based protein and has a delicious, creamy chocolate flavour that works beautifully in recipes like this.
Adding a 30g serve providing approximately 23g protein to the entire mixture would increase the protein content by around 1.9g per brownie, bringing each serve to approximately 12g protein, assuming the original nutritional estimate is accurate.
You can also experiment with replacing some of the almond flour with protein powder, although this may change the texture and require a little extra moisture.
Are strawberry cheesecake brownies healthy?
Desserts don't need to be off-limits when you're working towards better health.
These brownies contain a combination of protein, fibre, carbohydrates and fats, making them a more nutrient-diverse option than some traditional desserts.
However, they are still an energy-dense treat because ingredients such as nuts, coconut oil, dates and maple syrup contribute substantial calories.
The key is enjoying them as part of a balanced diet rather than viewing foods as either good or bad.
And with chocolate, strawberries and creamy cheesecake in every bite, they're a lovely way to enjoy something sweet.
The nutritional benefits of the ingredients
Medjool dates: natural sweetness and fibre
Medjool dates provide natural sweetness, meaning you don't need to add refined white sugar to the brownie base.
They also contain fibre, potassium and naturally occurring plant compounds.
Although dates are nutritious, they are also concentrated sources of natural sugar, so portion sizes still matter.
Walnuts: healthy fats and plant nutrients
Walnuts are a source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
They also provide polyphenols and other nutrients that can contribute to a heart-healthy eating pattern.
Cashews: plant protein and minerals
Cashews give the strawberry cheesecake layer its delicious creamy texture without traditional cream cheese.
They also provide plant protein, magnesium, copper and other essential minerals.
Strawberries: vitamin C and antioxidants
Strawberries bring natural sweetness, colour and freshness to the recipe.
They're also a source of vitamin C and contain polyphenols, which are being studied for their potential role in supporting long-term health.
Cocoa: more than just chocolate flavour
Cocoa provides the rich chocolate taste that makes these brownies so delicious.
It also contains naturally occurring polyphenols, including flavanols.
Coconut milk and coconut oil: creamy texture
Coconut milk and coconut oil help create the smooth cheesecake texture and allow the filling to set.
They also contribute saturated fat, so they're best enjoyed in moderation as part of a varied diet.
How to store no-bake strawberry cheesecake brownies
Because these brownies have a soft cheesecake-style filling, they're best stored chilled.
In the freezer: Store in an airtight container, with baking paper between layers, for up to 2 months for best quality.
In the fridge: Keep in an airtight container for approximately 3–4 days.
Before serving: If frozen, allow the brownies to soften for 20–30 minutes before eating.
They're particularly delicious when the chocolate base is slightly firm and the strawberry cheesecake layer is cool and creamy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make these strawberry cheesecake brownies without protein powder?
Absolutely! The original recipe already contains protein from the nuts, cashews and almond flour. Protein powder is completely optional.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Frozen strawberries can work in the cheesecake layer. Thaw and drain them first to avoid adding excess liquid. Fresh strawberries are best for the topping.
Are these brownies gluten-free?
The recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but check that all packaged ingredients, including protein powder, are labelled gluten-free if preparing them for someone with coeliac disease.
Are these strawberry cheesecake brownies dairy-free?
Yes, the base recipe contains no dairy ingredients. Check the label of any optional protein powder to ensure it suits your dietary requirements.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! They're ideal for making ahead because they need time in the freezer to set. You can prepare them the day before and simply thaw slightly before serving.
Are no-bake brownies good for meal prep?
Definitely. Cut the batch into individual portions and freeze them separately so you have a ready-made sweet treat whenever you feel like something chocolatey.
More delicious recipes with Zing Wellbeing
At Zing Wellbeing, we believe that looking after your health should include enjoying delicious food.
Our approach is all about balanced nutrition, protein, fibre, gut health and making healthy eating realistic and enjoyable.
Inside the Zing Wellbeing app, you'll find thousands of recipes, customisable meal plans, high-protein meal ideas, snacks and desserts to help you build healthy habits without giving up the foods you love.
And if you love chocolate desserts, why not try adding our Zing Wellbeing Chocolate Protein Powder to your next batch of brownies, smoothies or homemade protein snacks?
Because healthy eating should be delicious, satisfying and something you actually look forward to!
You can get this recipe and 2,000 more in the Zing Wellbeing app
