Nothing quite beats the rich, velvety charm of red velvet when it meets the creamy indulgence of cheesecake in one divine dessert. This Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe takes everything you love about classic brownies, jazzes it up with the iconic red velvet flavor, and swirls in a luscious cheesecake layer for a heavenly treat. Each bite melts with a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an absolute favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a show-stopping dessert or an irresistible snack, these brownies deliver pure joy in every square.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to nailing this Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—from the rich butter that adds moisture, to the cream cheese for that dreamy texture, and the red food coloring that makes these brownies stand out visually.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Provides a rich, tender crumb and buttery depth to the brownie base.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens both layers perfectly without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the brownies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor complexity of both the cheesecake and brownie layers.
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring: Gives these brownies their signature vibrant hue that’s impossible to resist.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds subtle chocolate notes that complement the tangy cream cheese.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar: Helps intensify the red velvet color and tenderizes the batter.
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: Creates structure and keeps the brownies perfectly fudgy.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, lending silky creaminess.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling just right.
- 1 large egg yolk: Adds richness and smooth texture to the cheesecake layer.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the cheesecake layer’s flavor.
How to Make Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease the paper for easy removal later. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and granulated sugar together until smooth and glossy—this step sets the foundation for a luscious brownie. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and the red food coloring, mixing until everything is fully combined and glowing with that beautiful red hue.
Step 2: Add the Chocolate and Flour
Next, stir in the unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and white vinegar into your batter. These ingredients play starring roles in achieving the iconic red velvet flavor. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is just combined—overmixing can make your brownies tough, so be delicate. Set aside about 1/4 cup of this luscious red velvet batter for swirling later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture is silky and free of lumps. The cheesecake layer should be rich yet light enough to beautifully contrast the dense brownie.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour most of the red velvet batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly to form the brownie base. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter in an artful pattern. Then, use the reserved 1/4 cup of red velvet batter to add more dollops on top. Take a knife and gently swirl all the layers together to create a gorgeous marbled effect that’s as fun to make as it is to look at.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 28 to 32 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with moist crumbs—not completely dry. This slight gooeyness makes the brownies incredibly decadent. Allow them to cool completely in the pan, then chill if you want those clean, firm squares that slice like a dream.
How to Serve Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate these brownies by dusting a little powdered sugar on top or adding a light drizzle of white chocolate. Fresh raspberries or a sprig of mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the richness. For a party, a few edible flowers make for an impressive presentation that guests will adore.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic combo or serve alongside whipped cream and fresh berries for a lighter touch. A hot cup of coffee or a creamy latte harmonizes beautifully with the chocolate and cream cheese flavors, turning snack time into a special moment.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these brownies into mini squares and arrange them on a tiered dessert tray for holiday celebrations. You can also serve them in little dessert cups topped with extra cream cheese frosting and red velvet crumbs for an elegant, bite-sized treat. For gift-giving, wrap slices in parchment with a pretty ribbon—instant homemade gift perfection!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture. They stay wonderfully moist and flavorful for up to five days, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save these brownies for a longer time, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They freeze well for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy a slice of sweetness.
Reheating
To warm up chilled or frozen brownies, gently heat them in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or until just warm. This revives their fudgy texture while keeping the cheesecake layer creamy and luscious. Be careful not to overheat as that can dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use gel food coloring instead of liquid?
Absolutely! Gel food coloring is actually preferred by many bakers because it provides a brighter, more vibrant red without adding extra liquid to the batter, helping maintain the perfect texture.
What if I want a thicker cheesecake layer?
You can easily double the cheesecake ingredients to create a more pronounced layer. Just be mindful to adjust your swirling technique to maintain that beautiful marbled look without mixing the layers too much.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky since cream cheese is central to the cheesecake layer’s texture and flavor. However, using plant-based cream cheese alternatives can work if you’re committed to a dairy-free version, though the flavor may vary slightly.
What’s the best way to get clean brownie slices?
Chilling the brownies completely before slicing helps set the layers and makes it easier to cut clean, sharp edges without crumbling.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger batch?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Baking time may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the doneness with a toothpick test.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe, it will quickly become a treasured staple in your dessert repertoire. The beautiful swirl, the irresistible textures, and that perfect balance of rich and tangy make every bite a celebration. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones—you deserve a slice of this happiness!
Print
Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 to 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine a rich, moist red velvet brownie base with a creamy cheesecake swirl for a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or indulgent treats.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix brownie batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until fully combined. Stir in the cocoa powder, salt, and vinegar. Gently fold in the flour until no streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Reserve batter and assemble base: Set aside about 1/4 cup of the red velvet batter. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare cheesecake mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Add cheesecake layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan.
- Create swirl effect: Use the reserved 1/4 cup of red velvet batter to dollop on top of the cheesecake mixture. Then, use a knife to gently swirl the layers together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the brownies for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and chill: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing. For cleaner cuts, chill them in the refrigerator if desired.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for a brighter, more vibrant red color.
- You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan to serve a larger crowd.
