Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Irresistibly Gooey Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Mixing red velvet cheesecake brownies creates a dessert that whispers pure indulgence.

Creamy layers meld with rich chocolate undertones for an unforgettable treat.

Sweet expectations dance between velvety textures and decadent swirls.

Chocolate lovers understand the magic of unexpected combinations.

Baking brings people together through shared moments of deliciousness.

Kitchen experiments often lead to remarkable discoveries.

Passionate bakers know that every recipe tells a delightful story.

Grab a fork and let the culinary adventure begin!

Brownie FAQs Answered

  • What gives red velvet cheesecake brownies their distinctive color?

The bright red color comes from red food coloring, which is a classic ingredient in red velvet recipes. A small amount of cocoa powder also contributes to the signature reddish-brown hue.

  • Can I make these brownies without food coloring?

While you can skip the food coloring, it won’t have the traditional red velvet appearance. If you prefer, you can use natural alternatives like beet juice for a natural red tint.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick near the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter, the brownies are done. The edges should be set, and the center slightly soft.

  • Is it important to use room temperature ingredients?

Yes! Room temperature cream cheese and eggs blend more smoothly, creating a creamier cheesecake swirl and preventing lumps in the batter.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies in the Spotlight

  • Combines two beloved desserts- rich brownies and creamy cheesecake- creating an irresistible treat that appeals to both kids and adults at family gatherings, potlucks, or birthday celebrations.
  • Requires basic baking skills and minimal equipment, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels who want to create something spectacular without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
  • The stunning marbled red and white pattern creates a visually dramatic dessert that looks far more complex than the actual preparation, guaranteeing impressed guests and social media-worthy photos.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Main Base Ingredients:
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates a smooth, moist texture for the brownies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender brownie base.
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the brownie's structure.
Chocolate Components:
  • Unsweetened Chocolate: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and rich darkness to the brownie base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate taste and adds depth to the brownies.
Red Velvet and Cheesecake Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a tangy, creamy cheesecake swirl with smooth texture.
  • Red Food Coloring: Provides the signature vibrant red color characteristic of red velvet.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds aromatic depth.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structural base of the brownies.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Baking Instructions for Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Baking Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing extra paper to hang over the sides for easy brownie removal later.

Step 2: Create Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Red food coloring

Blend until smooth and vibrant red.

Step 3: Prepare Cheesecake Swirl

In another bowl, beat:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until completely creamy and free of lumps.

Step 4: Assemble Brownie Layers

Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop the cheesecake mixture on top in random spots.

Step 5: Create Swirl Pattern

Use a knife or toothpick to gently drag through the batters, creating a marbled swirl effect without overmixing.

Step 6: Bake Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift brownies out. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips for the Perfect Red Velvet Texture

  • Grease Like a Pro: Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray for guaranteed easy brownie removal and perfect cutting.
  • Balance Cocoa Flavor: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance the rich, deep red velvet taste without overwhelming sweetness.
  • Master Color Control: Add gel food coloring gradually to achieve vibrant red color without thinning the batter's consistency.
  • Swirl with Precision: Use a toothpick or thin knife to create beautiful marbled cheesecake patterns without overmixing the layers.
  • Cooling Technique: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting out with parchment paper overhang to maintain structural integrity and clean slices.

Keeping Brownies Fresh for Days

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months for best quality.
  • Transfer frozen brownies to the refrigerator overnight for gentle defrosting. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture.
  • Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy chilled straight from the refrigerator for a delightful treat.

What Tastes Great with These Brownies

  • Pair these decadent red velvet cheesecake brownies with a chilled glass of cold milk to balance the intense chocolate and cream cheese flavors.
  • Serve alongside a light, fruity white wine like Moscato d'Asti, which brings a refreshing contrast to the dense, rich dessert.
  • Accompany with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to add creamy coolness and highlight the brownie's deep red color and velvety texture.
  • Add a sprinkle of fresh raspberries on the side to introduce a tart, bright element that cuts through the brownies' sweetness and adds visual appeal.

Switch Things Up: Brownie Variations

  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend for celiac-friendly brownies.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and choose plant-based chocolate for a completely vegan dessert.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Modification: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate cream cheese with higher fat content, and select sugar-free chocolate for a low-carb version.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies blend luxurious chocolate and creamy cheesecake into one irresistible dessert. Rich layers of crimson brownie and tangy cream cheese swirl together, promising pure dessert bliss for chocolate enthusiasts.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened

Dry Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Flavor and Coloring Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare an 8×8-inch baking vessel by layering parchment paper with extended edges, ensuring smooth removal after baking.
  2. Heat the oven to a precise temperature of 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for baking.
  3. Craft the brownie foundation by thoroughly blending dry ingredients with wet components, creating a rich chocolate base with velvety texture.
  4. Whip the cream cheese mixture until silky and smooth, ensuring no lumps remain for a consistent cheesecake layer.
  5. Pour the chocolate brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a uniform base.
  6. Delicately dollop the cream cheese mixture across the chocolate layer, using swirling motions to create a marbled aesthetic.
  7. Insert a knife or toothpick through the layers, generating intricate patterns and combining the red velvet cheesecake and chocolate elements.
  8. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven, allowing the dessert to bake until the edges become slightly firm and the center maintains a gentle jiggle.
  9. Remove from the oven and permit complete cooling at room temperature, which helps the brownies set and develop deeper flavor profiles.
  10. Once cooled, utilize the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan, then slice into precise, clean squares for serving.

Notes

  • Achieve deep red color by using high-quality cocoa powder and gel food coloring for vibrant, rich results.
  • Control moisture by slightly underbaking brownies, which creates a fudgy texture that complements the creamy cheesecake swirl.
  • Chill brownies completely before cutting to ensure clean, precise slices and prevent crumbling.
  • Swap regular cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly version, maintaining the decadent dessert’s original texture and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star