Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Featured in Sweet Endings and Treats.

These decadent red velvet cheesecake brownies combine two favorite desserts into pure chocolate heaven! The rich red velvet brownie base gets swirled with tangy cheesecake batter that creates beautiful patterns throughout. As they bake, the flavors meld perfectly while maintaining distinct swirls of brownie and cheesecake in every bite. What makes them extra special is how the flavors continue developing overnight, making them even better the next day. Perfect for making ahead when you need an impressive dessert!
A smiling woman in a chef's jacket stands in a commercial kitchen, looking at the camera with various food containers and utensils in the background.
Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:09:55 GMT
Three pieces of red velvet cheesecake brownies are displayed on a surface, showcasing a rich red swirl pattern over a creamy white layer. Pin it
Three pieces of red velvet cheesecake brownies are displayed on a surface, showcasing a rich red swirl pattern over a creamy white layer. | tasteofcook.com

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies started as a happy kitchen accident one day. I swirled cream cheese into my favorite red velvet brownies and now they're my most requested dessert. The deep red brownie base marbled with creamy cheesecake looks stunning and tastes even better.

The Secret Behind These Beauties

The magic happens when two batters meet. Rich cocoa tinted brownie batter gets friendly with tangy cream cheese filling. When they dance together in the pan something wonderful happens.

Getting That Perfect Swirl

Spread most of your red brownie batter first then dollop spoonfuls of that creamy cheesecake mixture on top. Add little spots of remaining brownie batter and grab a toothpick. Now comes the fun part swirl gently don't mix too much. You want those gorgeous streaks to shine through.

Baking Know How

Watch for that perfect moment when edges look set but center still has a tiny wiggle. Cool them completely before cutting trust me on this one. Want picture perfect squares? Pop them in the fridge first.

Ways To Enjoy

These beauties shine at any celebration. Bring them to potlucks watch them disappear first. Want to go over the top? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with warm chocolate sauce.

A close-up of layered brownies featuring a swirled red and yellow cream cheese topping over a dark chocolate base. Pin it
A close-up of layered brownies featuring a swirled red and yellow cream cheese topping over a dark chocolate base. | tasteofcook.com

Keeping Them Fresh

They'll stay perfect for 3 days in a container on your counter. Need longer? Pop them in the fridge for a week. Freeze individual squares wrapped tight they'll keep for 2 months just let them warm up before serving.

Quick Answers

Short on time? Use box mix just add red coloring. Remember gentle swirls make pretty patterns. Want natural color? Try beet powder works like a charm.

Why They Work

It's the best of both worlds fudgy brownie meets creamy cheesecake. That marbled design gets gasps every time. And those flavors chocolate and tangy cream cheese just belong together.

Make Them Your Own

Toss in some mini chocolate chips if you're feeling extra. Sometimes I swirl peanut butter into the cream cheese layer. Need gluten free? Your favorite one to one flour blend works perfectly.

Perfect For Special Days

Valentine's Day those red swirls look so romantic. Christmas parties they fit right in with holiday treats. Making gift boxes? These always steal the show.

My Kitchen Secrets

Everything at room temp makes mixing so much easier. Check early with a toothpick a few crumbs mean fudgy perfection. Let them cool completely patience makes pretty layers.

Shopping List Basics

For those gorgeous brownies grab butter sugar cocoa powder eggs vanilla flour and red coloring. The cheesecake swirl needs cream cheese sugar egg and vanilla. Come back for exact amounts when you're ready to bake.

Worth Every Bite

These brownies never fail to make people smile. That perfect mix of chocolate and cream cheese gets them every time. Whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with friends they're always a good idea.

Three slices of red velvet cheesecake brownies arranged on parchment paper. Pin it
Three slices of red velvet cheesecake brownies arranged on parchment paper. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these ahead?
Yes, they actually taste better the next day. Store in airtight container after cooling completely.
→ Why add vinegar to brownies?
Vinegar reacts with cocoa powder to enhance red color and helps create tender texture.
→ How do I get clean brownie slices?
Let brownies cool completely. Use sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
→ How do I know when they're done?
Edges should be set but center slightly jiggly. They'll continue setting as they cool.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Rich red velvet brownies with creamy cheesecake swirl combine two favorite desserts. Perfect for special occasions.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Dessert

Yield: 12 Servings (12 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 Unsalted butter, melted - 8 tablespoons.
02 Granulated sugar - 1 cup.
03 Unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/4 cup.
04 Vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon.
05 Red food coloring - 1 tablespoon.
06 Salt - 1/8 teaspoon.
07 White vinegar - 1/2 teaspoon.
08 Eggs - 2.
09 All-purpose flour - 3/4 cup.
10 Cream cheese, softened - 8 ounces.
11 Sugar for filling - 3 tablespoons.
12 Vanilla extract for filling - 1/2 teaspoon.
13 Egg yolk - 1.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 8-inch square pan with parchment, grease with butter.

Step 02

Combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa, vanilla, food coloring, salt, and vinegar.

Step 03

Whisk eggs separately, then mix into batter. Fold in flour until just combined.

Step 04

Spread brownie batter in pan, reserve 1/4 cup for topping.

Step 05

Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and egg yolk until smooth.

Step 06

Spread cream cheese mixture over brownie batter. Drop reserved batter on top.

Step 07

Use knife or toothpick to swirl batters together.

Step 08

Bake 30 minutes. Cool completely before cutting.

Notes

  1. Tastes better next day.
  2. Cool completely before cutting.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8-inch square baking pan.
  • Stand mixer or hand mixer.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 192
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 26 g
  • Protein: 2 g