Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

The Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent red velvet cheesecake brownies blend rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake into an irresistible dessert dream.

Layers of velvety goodness promise a sinful indulgence that melts in your mouth.

Passionate bakers know this treat combines two classic favorites with unexpected elegance.

Swirls of crimson and white create a stunning visual masterpiece that impresses everyone at the table.

Chocolate lovers will fall head over heels for the intense flavor profile.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and deep cocoa notes.

Whip up this showstopping dessert and watch everyone’s eyes light up with pure delight.

FAQs

  • Why do I need to use red food coloring?

Red food coloring gives red velvet its distinctive vibrant red color and classic appearance, making the brownies visually appealing and recognizable as red velvet style.

  • Can I substitute cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder or natural unsweetened cocoa powder. Just ensure it’s high quality for the best chocolate flavor in your brownies.

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

Check for set edges and a toothpick with moist crumbs when inserted into the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy, soft texture.

  • Why swirl the cheesecake mixture?

Swirling creates a beautiful marbled effect and ensures the cheesecake and brownie layers are beautifully combined, adding visual interest and mixed flavor in each bite.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Swirled Perfection

  • Create Stunning Dessert: Impress friends and family with a showstopping treat that combines the rich flavors of red velvet and creamy cheesecake in one decadent brownie.
  • Master Simple Technique: Learn an easy swirling method that transforms basic ingredients into a visually stunning and delicious dessert with minimal baking skills required.
  • Customize Your Treat: Experiment with different toppings like chocolate chips, powdered sugar, or fresh berries to make this recipe uniquely yours and add extra flair to the classic brownie.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Enjoy a versatile dessert perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy night in that satisfies both chocolate and cheesecake lovers with its indulgent texture and vibrant color.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Shopping List

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the brownie base.
  • Cocoa Powder: Gives deep chocolate flavor and rich dark color to the brownies.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and creates a soft, tender texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the brownie base.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the brownie's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the dessert.
  • Red Food Coloring: Creates the signature red velvet color and visual appeal.
Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese, Granulated Sugar, Egg, Vanilla Extract: Combine to create a smooth, creamy cheesecake swirl that complements the rich brownie base.

Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly spray it with cooking oil.

Step 2: Create Brownie Base

Melt butter in a large mixing bowl. Stir in sugar until smooth and glossy.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each. Stir in vanilla and red food coloring to create a vibrant red batter.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined and lump-free.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to keep the batter rich and velvety.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Pan

Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 6: Whip Up Cheesecake Layer

Beat cream cheese in a medium bowl until silky smooth.

Add granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and irresistible.

Step 7: Create Delicious Swirls

Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter.

Use a knife or toothpick to swirl and marble the two mixtures together.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Let the brownies rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Cut into squares and serve these decadent cheesecake brownies.

Tips for Swirled Brownie Success

  • Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing that ensures a creamy cheesecake layer.
  • Add red food coloring gradually to achieve the perfect vibrant red color without over-saturating the batter.
  • Check brownies early and remove from oven when a toothpick shows moist crumbs to maintain a fudgy, rich texture.
  • Use a light hand when swirling cheesecake mixture to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing.
  • Refrigerate brownies for a few hours before serving to enhance the flavor and help them set perfectly.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Flavors

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Variation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweetness.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese made from coconut or almond milk, and use plant-based butter alternatives.

Serve Brownies Warm or Chilled

  • Party Platter Paradise: Create an eye-catching dessert platter with these brownies as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh berries, mint leaves, and a dusting of powdered sugar for elegant presentation.
  • Decadent Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the rich, creamy texture of the brownies and create a luxurious flavor experience.
  • Coffee Corner Delight: Pair these brownies with a steaming cappuccoon or rich espresso to balance the sweet richness and provide a sophisticated after-dinner treat that complements the dessert's deep red color and velvety texture.
  • Gifting Gourmet Option: Package individual brownies in clear cellophane bags tied with elegant ribbons for a homemade gift that looks professionally crafted and tastes absolutely delicious.

Store Brownies for Later Enjoyment

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent moisture loss.
  • Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power. Alternatively, warm in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, delicious texture.
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Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Sinful red velvet cheesecake brownies blend rich chocolate and creamy cheesecake into one irresistible dessert. Layers of crimson batter and white cream swirl together, promising pure indulgence that will make chocolate lovers swoon.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour

Chocolate and Flavor Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Topping:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Melt butter and combine thoroughly with granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth and uniform.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing completely after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract and vibrant red food coloring to create a rich, crimson base.
  4. In a separate bowl, carefully whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to create a uniform dry mixture.
  5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  6. Distribute brownie batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating a smooth, consistent layer.
  7. Whip cream cheese until silky, then integrate granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until achieving a luxurious, creamy consistency.
  8. Strategically dollop cheesecake mixture over brownie batter, then use a knife to create elegant, marbled swirls throughout the surface.
  9. Place in preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for set edges and a toothpick that emerges with moist crumbs when inserted.
  10. Allow brownies to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  11. Slice into precise squares and indulge in the decadent red velvet cheesecake brownie creation.

Notes

  • Adapt the food coloring to create pastel or deep red shades based on personal preference, experimenting with natural alternatives like beetroot powder for vibrant color.
  • Chill the cheesecake mixture briefly before swirling to achieve clearer, more defined marbling patterns in the brownies.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother blending and prevent lumpy batter, especially for cream cheese and eggs.
  • Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, maintaining the same rich texture and flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 335
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 142 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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