Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 ½ teaspoons red food coloring; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 3 Tablespoons Dutch process cocoa powder; 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature; 1 large egg, at room temperature; ⅓ cup granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that fuses two classics into one irresistible bite, Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are truly the answer! With deep red, cocoa-kissed brownie goodness swirled lavishly with rich, creamy cheesecake, these brownies offer a striking look and an even more unforgettable taste. You’ll love how the tangy cheesecake mingles with that iconic red velvet flavor – a special treat for potlucks, birthday surprises, or just because you deserve something amazing.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies is easier than you might think, with just a handful of familiar ingredients transforming into something magical. Each item plays a key role: whether it’s bringing the signature color, the lovely fudgy texture, or that tangy cheesecake swirl on top. Here’s what you need and why:

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted): Gives your brownies a rich, fudgy base and keeps everything moist.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup, plus ⅓ cup for swirl): Sweetens the brownies and the cheesecake swirl, making each bite perfectly balanced.
Large Eggs (3, at room temperature): Essential for binding and creating a soft, light crumb as well as a creamy swirl.
Red Food Coloring (1 ½ teaspoons): The secret to that iconic, gorgeous red velvet hue – gel colors work best for vibrancy.
Vanilla Extract (2 teaspoons): Brings warmth and background flavor to both brownie and cheesecake layers.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Highlights the sweetness and chocolatey flavor.
All-Purpose Flour (¾ cup): Just enough to hold your brownies together without making them heavy.
Dutch Process Cocoa Powder (3 tablespoons): Adds depth and a subtle, velvety chocolate taste – don’t skip this!
Cream Cheese (8 ounces, room temperature): The soul of the creamy cheesecake swirl – make sure it’s soft for smooth mixing.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prep the Baking Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab an 8 x 8-inch pan and line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. This little trick makes lifting and slicing your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies a breeze – trust me, it’s worth that extra minute of prep!

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until the mixture looks glossy and thick. This step sets the foundation for that signature chewy, moist texture. Then add your eggs, one at a time, and whisk until the mixture becomes light and a bit foamy – about 2 minutes of whisking does the trick for those classic crackly tops.

Step 3: Add Color and Flavor

Pour in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, stirring until the color is evenly distributed and beautifully vibrant. Here’s where your brownies start to look like a party! The vanilla rounds out the cocoa notes and ties together the rich flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour, Dutch process cocoa, and salt. Fold everything together gently until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; you want everything just combined to keep that tender, fudgy crumb.

Step 5: Layer in the Pan

Spread the red velvet brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to nudge it into all the corners, ensuring an even bake and beautiful, thick layers for your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl

In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining egg, and ⅓ cup sugar until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy. This luscious layer is what sends these brownies over the top!

Step 7: Swirl and Assemble

Drop generous dollops of the cream cheese mixture across the top of your brownie batter. Take a butter knife or a skewer and create big, sweeping swirls. Don’t stress about perfection – each batch will have its own unique, marbled beauty.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are fine for extra fudginess). Let the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing into thick squares. Patience pays off – this lets the cheesecake set for clean, gorgeous cuts.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Garnishes

A flourish of garnishes can make your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies truly irresistible. Consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or a few fresh raspberries for both color and a pop of tartness. Even a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate feels downright fancy!

Side Dishes

For a showstopping dessert plate, serve your brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The balance of creamy and chewy textures is pure magic! If you’re feeling playful, pair with a glass of cold milk, a hot coffee, or even a berry coulis for brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies look gorgeous just as they are, but you can really wow a crowd by cutting them with a round cookie cutter for mini cake bites, stacking pieces with extra cream cheese filling, or packaging squares in parchment for gourmet lunchbox treats. They also make a festive red-and-white centerpiece for holiday platters!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, transfer your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies to an airtight container. They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, making them easy to prep ahead for parties or treat yourself all week long. A chilled brownie is secretly delicious, with the cheesecake flavor even more pronounced.

Freezing

Yes, these brownies freeze like a dream! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When your sweet tooth calls, just defrost a brownie or two overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick treat.

Reheating

If you love your brownies slightly warm (who doesn’t?), pop a piece in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The brownie softens and the cheesecake swirl gets beautifully creamy, just like freshly baked. For larger portions, a few minutes in a low oven brings them back to life without drying out the edges.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch process?

You can substitute natural cocoa powder if needed, but Dutch process cocoa gives a richer, smoother chocolate flavor and enhances the deep red color. If you use natural cocoa, your brownies will still be tasty, but the flavor note will be slightly sharper.

Why do I need to use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature eggs and cream cheese blend more smoothly into your batters, ensuring a creamy, lump-free cheesecake swirl and a tender brownie base. Cold ingredients can make the cream cheese swirl clumpy or the brownie batter seize up.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Double every ingredient and bake the batter in a 9 x 13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time though – start checking at 35 minutes, but it may need closer to 40–45 minutes depending on your oven.

What’s the best way to cut these brownies cleanly?

For those photo-worthy squares, let your brownies cool completely and wipe your knife clean between each cut. Using a sharp chef’s knife (not a serrated one) makes for crisp, neat edges that show off the swirls.

Can I make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The brownies still come out beautifully fudgy, and friends who are gluten-sensitive won’t miss out.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a tray of Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies – the dazzling swirls, rich chocolate flavor, and creamy tang are always a hit. Whether you’re making a batch for a party or just as a little self-care treat, I know you’ll fall for this dreamy dessert. Give these a try, and get ready for rave reviews!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 30 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 9 huge brownies or 16 smaller ones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect combination of red velvet cake and cheesecake with these decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies. A rich and moist red velvet brownie base topped with a creamy cheesecake swirl makes for a delightful treat!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8 x 8 pan on all sides with parchment paper. Set aside.
In a medium bowl combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk together until glossy.
Add the eggs and whisk until it emulsifies and is slightly foamy, about 2 minutes. This will give you that nice crackly top.
Add the vanilla extract and food coloring and stir to evenly distribute.
Add the flour, cocoa powder and salt and mix until combined and no streaks of flour remain.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading into an even layer.
Next, make the cream cheese swirl. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk together until smooth and creamy.
Drop the cream cheese mixture in large dollops on top of the red velvet brownie batter. Use a butter knife to make big swirls.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool before slicing into 9 huge brownies or 16 smaller ones! Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American