Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Short Description

Red velvet cheesecake brownies are a rich, decadent dessert featuring fudgy red velvet brownies swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer. These vibrant and indulgent brownies combine the best of both worlds—chewy chocolatey goodness and tangy cheesecake perfection!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Beautiful and festive – Perfect for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or special occasions.
  • Rich and fudgy – A moist red velvet brownie base with a creamy cheesecake swirl.
  • Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no fancy equipment needed.
  • Great for sharing – A crowd-pleasing dessert for parties or potlucks.
  • Customizable – Adjust the sweetness, add chocolate chips, or swirl in extra flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Red Velvet Brownies:

  • Butter (melted)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring
  • Cocoa powder
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt
  • White vinegar (enhances color and texture)

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

  • Cream cheese (softened)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Make the brownie batter – In a bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs, vanilla, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake mixture – Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Assemble the brownies – Spread most of the red velvet brownie batter in the pan, reserving a little for swirling. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top, then drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter over it. Swirl with a knife.
  5. Bake – Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  6. Cool and serve – Let brownies cool completely before slicing for clean, even squares.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 9-12 brownies
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 35 minutes
  • Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Extra chocolatey – Mix in chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top.
  • Nutty crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter.
  • Gluten-free version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
  • Mini cheesecake brownies – Bake in a muffin tin for individual portions.
  • More tangy flavor – Add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the cheesecake layer.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
  • Serving: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use a brownie mix instead?

Yes! Use a boxed red velvet cake or brownie mix as a shortcut.

How do I prevent cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overbaking, and let the brownies cool gradually at room temperature.

Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the amount for the same vibrant color.

How do I get clean slices?

Chill the brownies before slicing and use a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese substitutes.

What’s the best pan size?

An 8×8-inch pan works best for thick brownies, but a 9×9-inch pan can be used for thinner brownies.

Can I add more cheesecake?

Yes! Double the cheesecake layer for an extra creamy version.

What should I serve these with?

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They taste even better the next day after chilling.

How do I fix dry brownies?

Slightly underbake them and avoid overmixing the batter.

Conclusion

Red velvet cheesecake brownies are a stunning and delicious dessert that combines the best of fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake. Whether for a holiday, a party, or just because, these brownies are sure to impress. Try them today and enjoy a perfect balance of chocolatey richness and tangy sweetness!

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Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of red velvet brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl. They’re the perfect indulgent dessert for holidays, Valentine’s Day, or any special occasion!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Red Velvet Brownies:

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring
  • 1 tsp white vinegar
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  2. Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar, mixing until combined.
  3. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Swirl

  1. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

  1. Pour ¾ of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
  2. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the top in dollops.
  3. Add the remaining red velvet batter in small dollops over the cheesecake layer.
  4. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake & Cool

  1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!


Notes

  • Make It Extra Fudgy: Slightly underbake for a gooier texture.
  • Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months, wrapped in plastic wrap.

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