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
- Preheat oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- 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.
- Prepare the cheesecake mixture – Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- 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.
- Bake – Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- 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!
PrintRed Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- 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
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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add egg, egg yolk, vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar, mixing until combined.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Swirl
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble the Brownies
- Pour ¾ of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the top in dollops.
- Add the remaining red velvet batter in small dollops over the cheesecake layer.
- Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the batters together for a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake & Cool
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- 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.