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Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

4.9 from 137 reviews

These Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy red velvet brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl to create a luxurious dessert perfect for any occasion. Moist and colorful, these brownies offer a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures that delight the palate with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Cheesecake Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the brownies.
  2. Make brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk in the eggs one at a time for a smooth mixture, then add vanilla extract, red food coloring, white vinegar, and unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until the batter is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  3. Reserve batter for swirling: Set aside 1/4 cup of the brownie batter to use for creating a swirl effect on top of the cheesecake layer. Pour the remaining batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and smooth the surface.
  4. Prepare cheesecake mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until the cheesecake layer is fully combined and creamy.
  5. Layer cheesecake over brownies: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan, ensuring full coverage.
  6. Create the swirl: Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter over the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the two batters together creating a marbled effect.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and chill: Allow the brownies to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the cheesecake layer firm up, which makes slicing easier and enhances flavor.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
  • Using parchment paper helps in lifting the brownies out easily without breaking.
  • Do not overbake; the center should be set but still moist for fudgy brownies.
  • Refrigeration improves the texture and flavor of these cheesecake brownies.
  • You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red velvet.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake brownies, dessert recipe, red velvet dessert, fudgy brownies, cream cheese swirl