Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies bring together the rich flavors of classic red velvet and creamy cheesecake in one indulgent treat. With a moist, chocolatey brownie base and a luscious cream cheese swirl, they are perfect for any celebration or just a delightful homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter (diced into large cubes)
• 4 ounces 72% bittersweet chocolate (coarsely chopped)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ounce red food coloring (or as needed for desired shade)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large egg whites
• 8 ounce package cream cheese (very well softened)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil if desired for easier cleanup, and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed butter and chopped chocolate. Heat on high for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. If needed, heat in additional 15-second intervals until fully melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the sugar to the chocolate mixture and whisk together. The mixture will appear thick and granular.
4. Step 4: Add the eggs and whisk to combine thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Add the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Whisk gently at first to incorporate, then add more food coloring if needed until the batter reaches your desired red shade.
6. Step 6: Stir in the cocoa powder until evenly mixed.
7. Step 7: Add the flour and salt, stirring just until combined.
8. Step 8: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
9. Step 9: For the cream cheese swirl, beat the egg whites, softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract together on high speed with a handheld mixer for about 5 minutes, until smooth and fluffy.
10. Step 10: Add the flour to the cream cheese mixture and beat just to combine.
11. Step 11: Drop heaping tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter evenly.
12. Step 12: Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese gently into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
13. Step 13: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking at 30 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for a richer brownie flavor.
• Adjust the amount of red food coloring to get your preferred shade of red velvet.
• Swirl the cream cheese mixture gently to avoid blending it completely into the brownie for a beautiful marbled look.
• You can substitute kosher salt with regular table salt if needed, using slightly less.

Storage

Store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without a microwave?

Yes, you can melt the butter and chocolate together using a double boiler on the stovetop. Heat gently and stir frequently until smooth.

How do I know when these brownies are done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Because ovens vary, start checking at 30 minutes and adjust baking time as needed.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 70 reviews

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent dessert combining the rich, fudgy texture of dark chocolate brownies with a creamy, slightly tangy cheesecake swirl. Perfectly marbled with vibrant red batter and smooth cream cheese, these brownies offer a delightful twist on classic treats, ideal for special occasions or indulgent everyday snacking.

• Author: zara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Batter

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, diced into large cubes
• 4 ounces 72% bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ounce red food coloring (or as needed for desired shade)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cream Cheese Swirl

• 2 large egg whites
• 8 ounce package cream cheese, very well softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easy cleanup and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Melt butter and chocolate: In a very large microwave-safe bowl, add the cubed butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Heat on high for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. If necessary, heat further in 15-second intervals until fully melted and combined.
3. Add sugar to chocolate mixture: Stir in the granulated sugar. The mixture will appear thick and granular at this point.
4. Incorporate eggs: Add the 4 large eggs and whisk until well combined.
5. Add color and flavor: Gently whisk in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Adjust the food coloring amount to reach the desired red shade.
6. Add cocoa powder: Stir in the sifted unsweetened cocoa powder until incorporated.
7. Add dry ingredients: Incorporate the flour and kosher salt, stirring until just combined to form the brownie batter.
8. Transfer batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
9. Prepare cream cheese swirl mixture: In a medium bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, egg whites, and 1/4 cup sugar on high for about 5 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and noticeably fluffy.
10. Add flour and vanilla to swirl: Mix in the 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until just combined.
11. Layer cream cheese on batter: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter evenly across the pan.
12. Create swirl pattern: Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture through the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
13. Bake brownies: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking at 30 minutes and rotate the pan midway through baking for even cooking.

Notes

• If desired, adjust the red food coloring amount gradually to achieve the perfect vibrant red color.
• Use a very well softened cream cheese to ensure the cream cheese swirl mixture is smooth and easy to beat.
• Rotating the pan midway through baking helps ensure even cooking and browning.
• Because oven temperatures and conditions vary, baking times may differ; bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with minimal crumbs.
• Using heavy-duty aluminum foil in the pan aids in easy removal and cleanup.

Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, chocolate brownies, red velvet dessert, creamy brownies, marbled brownies