Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform with detachable sides with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.
For the brownie bottom:
- In a medium sized bowl, combine butter, sugar and vanilla extract. Add the eggs and mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt.
- Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
For the white chocolate cheesecake:
- Place a baking pan filled with hot water on the lower rack of the oven. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt white chocolate chips with the whipping cream, stirring occasionally until smooth. Alternately, white chocolate can be melted in the microwave with the whipping cream in a glass bowl, at 50% power, stirring every 30-60 seconds until smooth.
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Blend in flour. With mixer on low speed, blend in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over crust and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan.
- Just before serving, mix sliced strawberries in a bowl with lime zest and juice. Drain the excess of juice, then display the strawberries on top of the cheesecake, decorating with fresh mint leaves.