Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing pan; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar; 2 eggs; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 large egg yolk

If you love brownies and cheesecake, then you will absolutely swoon over this delightful Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy red velvet brownie base layered perfectly with a luscious, creamy cheesecake swirl that melts in your mouth. This treat is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a visual stunner with its vibrant red color and elegant swirls. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these brownies strike the perfect balance between indulgence and charm, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a deep red batter that almost fills the bottom. On top of the red batter, there is a large pile of white flour sitting in a mound, not yet mixed in. The red batter looks smooth and thick with some streaks along the sides of the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese to the tangy vinegar that enhances the red velvet flavor and the cocoa powder that deepens the chocolate undertone. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this irresistible treat:

Unsalted butter: 8 tablespoons melted, plus extra for greasing to ensure a tender, moist brownie base.
Sugar: 1 cup for the brownie batter to bring just the right sweetness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup to add that classic chocolate depth that balances the red velvet flavor perfectly.
Vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon for the brownie and 1/2 teaspoon for the cheesecake layer to enhance overall aroma.
Red food coloring: 1 tablespoon to give these brownies their signature vibrant red hue.
Salt: 1/8 teaspoon to brighten all the flavors and balance the sweetness.
White vinegar: 1/2 teaspoon to intensify the tangy red velvet taste and react with the baking components.
Eggs: 2 whole eggs for the batter and 1 large egg yolk for the cheesecake, providing structure and richness.
All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup to create the perfect chewy texture without overpowering the softness.
Cream cheese: 8 ounces softened for that creamy, dreamy cheesecake swirl that elevates the brownies to decadence.
Sugar for cheesecake: 3 tablespoons to sweeten the cheesecake layer just right without being cloying.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350ºF to ensure it reaches a perfect baking temperature by the time your batter is ready. Then line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper; this helps with easy removal after baking. Don’t forget to grease the pan generously with butter so your brownies won’t stick and come out flawlessly.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth, luscious mixture. Adding white vinegar next is key — it enhances the deep red velvet flavor and works wonderfully with the cocoa. Next, whisk your eggs separately, then fold them gently into the batter. Finally, sprinkle in the flour and fold just enough to blend everything together well without overmixing, which keeps the brownies nice and tender.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Swirl

Grab your stand mixer or a hand mixer and blend the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg yolk until silky smooth and creamy. This cheesecake mixture creates that heavenly layer that perfectly contrasts the dense brownie base. Spread your brownie batter into your prepared pan, but remember to reserve about 1/4 cup of it for the topping swirl.

Step 4: Swirl It All Together

Now gently spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie base. Using the reserved brownie batter, add dollops on top of the cream cheese layer. Then take a sharp knife or a toothpick and carefully swirl the two batters together to create that classic marbled effect. This step not only looks stunning but ensures every bite has the perfect balance of both flavors.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake your masterpiece for 30 minutes until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle — that means it’s perfectly fudgy. Once out of the oven, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting out the parchment. This patience pays off in clean slices and a wonderfully rich texture for all your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe perfection.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

The image shows a square baking pan lined with parchment paper filled with batter. The batter has two colors swirled together on top: a creamy light beige and a deep red, forming a marbled pattern with smooth, flowing curves and loops. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. The red swirls create a decorative contrast against the light background layer, and the texture looks soft and smooth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These brownies are showstoppers as they are, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a few fresh raspberries, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate the experience even more. For a festive touch, you can add some white chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of rich hot coffee to balance the sweetness and enhance the decadent flavors. A fresh berry compote or a light citrus salad can add some brightness and a refreshing contrast to the richness of the brownies.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your brownies into elegant squares or triangles and serve them on a beautiful platter with colorful napkins. For a party, try making mini brownie bites and presenting them on skewers with fresh fruit chunks in between. You can also layer the brownie and cheesecake mixture in clear cups for individual portions that look as impressive as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe leftovers are just as delicious the next day. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them moist and fresh. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week – just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these brownies later, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. They keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave them overnight in the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature before eating.

Reheating

Warm your brownies gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-8 minutes. This will bring back that gooey and melty cheesecake swirl texture making them taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought red velvet cake mix for this recipe?

While you technically can, making the batter from scratch like in this Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe ensures you control the moisture and richness. The homemade version yields better texture and flavor contrast.

What kind of cream cheese works best?

Use full-fat cream cheese for a creamier, richer cheesecake layer. Low-fat or whipped cream cheese can alter texture and might make the filling less stable during baking.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep in mind some blends might affect the texture slightly, so pick one designed for baking sweet treats.

Why is white vinegar used in the brownie batter?

White vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder and helps intensify the red velvet flavor while tenderizing the crumb. It adds subtle tanginess that makes the brownies uniquely delicious.

How can I tell when the brownies are done baking?

The edges should look set and slightly pulling away from the pan, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. Resist overbaking to keep those brownies moist and fudgy instead of dry.

Final Thoughts

Making this Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that rewards you with a stunning and scrumptious dessert every time. The luscious cream cheese swirls paired with the deep, velvety brownie base create a perfect bite worth sharing – or not! Whether for a celebration or a cozy night in, these brownies are guaranteed to bring smiles and plenty of “mmm”s. Give this recipe a try and watch your loved ones fall head over heels for each silky, decadent morsel.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need