Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, chocolatey flavor of red velvet with a luscious, tangy cheesecake swirl. They’re the perfect dessert for special occasions, holidays, or whenever you need a sweet treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Layer:

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Red food coloring
Cocoa powder
All-purpose flour
Salt
White vinegar

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

Cream cheese, softened
Granulated sugar
Egg
Vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, melt the butter and mix in the sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring.
Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and mix until just combined. Stir in the vinegar.
Pour most of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving a small portion for swirling.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer.
Dollop the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife to create swirls.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 9-12 brownies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Fold in white or dark chocolate chips for added texture.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter.
Extra Fudgy: Reduce baking time by a couple of minutes for a gooier texture.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to a week for a firmer texture.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a boxed red velvet cake mix?

No, a boxed cake mix won’t give the dense, fudgy texture of these brownies.

How do I get perfect cheesecake swirls?

Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the batter without over-mixing.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.

What can I use instead of red food coloring?

You can use beet powder or natural food coloring, though the color may be less vibrant.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time slightly.

Why is vinegar included in the recipe?

Vinegar enhances the red color and reacts with cocoa for a classic red velvet flavor.

Can I use a different pan size?

A 9×9-inch pan will work but may result in thinner brownies.

Should I refrigerate these brownies?

If you prefer a firmer texture, refrigeration is recommended.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle but not be liquid.

Can I use a hand mixer for the cheesecake layer?

Yes! A hand mixer ensures a smooth, creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a stunning and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their rich, fudgy texture and creamy cheesecake swirls, they’re sure to impress friends and family!