Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

If you love the classic flavors of red velvet cake and the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, then these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect treat for you! With a fudgy, chocolate-infused red velvet brownie base swirled with a luscious cheesecake topping, this dessert is the best of both worlds.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a holiday treat, or just because you deserve something sweet, these brownies are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Balanced Flavors – A combination of rich cocoa, tangy cream cheese, and sweet vanilla.
Incredibly Moist & Fudgy – These brownies have the ideal texture: soft, dense, and chewy.
Beautiful Swirls – The marbled cheesecake top makes them look as good as they taste.
Easy to Make – No fancy ingredients or equipment needed!
Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, bake sales, or weekend treats.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Red Velvet Brownie Base:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar (adds moisture and depth of flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp red food coloring
• 1 tsp white vinegar (enhances the red color and balances flavors)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Tools You’ll Need

8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan
Parchment paper
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Toothpick or skewer (for swirling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
4. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar. Whisk until smooth.
5. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Swirl

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

Step 4: Assemble & Swirl

7. Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, reserving about ¼ cup of batter for swirling.
8. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer.
9. Drop small dollops of the reserved red velvet batter on top of the cheesecake layer.
10. Use a toothpick or skewer to gently swirl the batter and cheesecake together to create a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake

11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
12. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

13. Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Slice into squares and serve!

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smooth cheesecake swirl.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing can make the brownies tough instead of fudgy.
Check for Doneness – The cheesecake should be set, but the brownies should remain slightly gooey.
Let Them Cool Completely – This allows the flavors to set and makes slicing easier.
For Extra Fudginess – Slightly underbake the brownies for a gooier texture.

Serving Suggestions

With Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream makes this even more indulgent.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: For extra richness, drizzle melted chocolate on top.
With Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a fresh, tart contrast.
Paired with Coffee or Hot Cocoa: The perfect cozy treat!

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Keep brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:

• Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating:

• Enjoy straight from the fridge, or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a soft, gooey texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies without red food coloring?
Yes! The red color is mainly for aesthetics. If you skip it, you’ll still have delicious cocoa-flavored cheesecake brownies.

What can I use instead of white vinegar?
You can substitute lemon juice for a similar effect.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead?
Absolutely! Use your favorite brownie mix as the base and follow the cheesecake swirl steps.

Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey bite.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect combination of fudgy brownies, tangy cheesecake, and a touch of elegance. With their rich flavors and beautiful swirls, they make any occasion feel extra special.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 280 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 32g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Sodium: 180mg

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