Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Irresistible Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent red velvet cheesecake brownies promise an irresistible dessert adventure that blends rich chocolate with creamy swirls.

Layers of crimson and ivory melt together in a stunning visual masterpiece.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over this indulgent treat that combines classic brownie depth with tangy cream cheese.

Soft, fudgy textures create a sensational contrast in every single bite.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Each slice delivers a dramatic mix of flavors that dance across your palate.

You won’t believe how simple it is to create such a showstopping dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery.

Ingredients for Rich Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Main Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: The rich base that provides moisture and helps bind the brownie ingredients together.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and creates the classic brownie texture.
  • Flour: Provides structure and helps create the perfect brownie consistency.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the rich, fudgy texture of the brownies.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, creamy swirl that complements the chocolate base.
Sugars and Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a moist, tender brownie.
  • Powdered Sugar: Smooths out the cream cheese mixture and adds extra sweetness.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
  • Red Food Coloring: Gives the brownies their signature vibrant red velvet appearance.

How to Bake Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and either coat it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

Gently melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Remove from stove and mix in:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Eggs

Stir until everything blends smoothly and looks well combined.

Step 3: Build Brownie Batter

Gradually fold in:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Flour

Mix until the batter looks silky. Add red food coloring and stir until you get a rich, vibrant red shade.

Step 4: Whip Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese with powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes creamy and free of lumps.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture across the surface.

Use a knife to create beautiful swirls and patterns throughout the batter. Cover with remaining brownie batter.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The center should look slightly fudgy but set.

Let the brownies cool completely before slicing into delectable squares.

Tips for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Success

  • Swap red food coloring with beetroot juice for a natural, vibrant color that adds subtle earthiness to the brownies.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy batter consistency.
  • Create perfect swirls by using a toothpick or thin knife to gently drag cream cheese mixture through brownie batter in zigzag patterns.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs for that ideal fudgy texture.
  • Chill brownies in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting to get clean, sharp edges and more defined layers.

Flavorful Variations on Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

  • Gluten-Free Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Bars: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and substitute cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Red Velvet Brownies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of granulated sugar, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Swirl Squares: Replace cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free butter substitute for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Pairings That Enhance Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

  • Pair the red velvet cheesecake brownies with a crisp, cold glass of milk to balance the rich, tangy cream cheese and chocolate notes.
  • Choose a sweet dessert wine like ruby port or moscato d'asti, which will enhance the decadent chocolate and cream cheese flavors without overpowering the delicate red velvet undertones.
  • Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream to add a cool, creamy element that softens the dense brownie texture and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich dessert.
  • Add a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or almonds around the plate to introduce a nutty crunch that complements the smooth cheesecake and brownie layers.

Best Ways to Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Alternatively, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent cream cheese from separating.

FAQs

  • How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

Look for a set edges with a slightly jiggly center. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating a fudgy texture.

  • Can I substitute natural cocoa powder with Dutch-processed cocoa?

No, stick to natural cocoa powder as it reacts better with the other ingredients and helps maintain the brownie’s rich chocolate flavor and texture.

  • Why do I need to add red food coloring?

The red food coloring creates the signature red velvet appearance, giving the brownies a distinctive and visually appealing look that sets them apart from traditional chocolate brownies.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies That Wow Every Time

  • Capture Sweet Indulgence: Red velvet cheesecake brownies blend rich chocolate with tangy cream cheese, creating a decadent dessert that satisfies multiple cravings in one delightful bite.
  • Master Simple Baking: This recipe requires basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all experience levels who want to impress without complicated techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: These brownies work wonderfully for potlucks, family gatherings, and celebrations, appealing to both kids and adults with their stunning red color and creamy texture.
  • Customize with Ease: Bakers can adjust the red food coloring intensity and experiment with cream cheese swirl patterns, making each batch unique and personalized.
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Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Red velvet cheesecake brownies blend rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese into a delightful dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor each luxurious bite of this Southern-inspired sweet treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsps red food coloring
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare an 8×8 inch baking dish with grease or parchment paper.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat, then remove from stove and whisk in sugars, vanilla, and eggs until thoroughly integrated.
  3. Fold cocoa powder and flour into the mixture, creating a uniform batter. Incorporate red food coloring to achieve a vibrant crimson hue.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
  5. Transfer half the brownie batter into the prepared dish, strategically placing cream cheese mixture in dollops across the surface.
  6. Use a knife to create elegant swirls, blending cream cheese and brownie batters in a marbled pattern.
  7. Carefully pour remaining brownie batter over the swirled layer, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a set texture with a slightly fudgy center.
  9. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling before slicing into square portions.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality cocoa powder for a rich, deep chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to create smooth, lump-free swirls throughout the brownies.
  • Customize the red color intensity by adjusting food coloring drops, keeping the vibrant appearance balanced with chocolate depth.
  • Consider using parchment paper with overhanging edges for easy removal and clean, precise brownie cutting.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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