Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tablespoon red gel food coloring (Wilton no-taste recommended); ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cocoa powder; Pinch of salt; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 large egg

Print Recipe· 4.4 from 4 reviews

The Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is an utter delight that brings together the rich, velvety charm of red velvet brownies with the creamy tang of cheesecake in every bite. Imagine biting into a luscious, moist brownie layer punctuated with smooth swirls of cheesecake that add a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. This crowd-pleasing dessert is not only stunning with its vibrant red hues but also offers an inviting, homemade feel that will have everyone asking for the recipe again and again. Whether for a special occasion or just a sweet treat, these brownies are guaranteed to steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a square baking pan lined with white parchment paper resting on a white marbled surface. Inside the pan, there are two visible layers: the bottom layer is a rich, deep red color with a smooth texture, while the top layer is a creamy beige batter that is spread unevenly, leaving some patches of the red layer visible underneath. On top of the beige batter, there are several dollops of bright red mixture placed randomly, creating a contrasting pattern against the cream. The edges of the parchment paper are folded over the sides of the pan, held slightly in place by pink binder clips on opposite sides. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, all carefully selected to build flavor, texture, and that classic red velvet appeal. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the tender crumb from the cocoa and flour blend or the velvety tang delivered by the cream cheese filling.

2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the brownie base.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping create a tender crumb.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the batter.
½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Ensures moistness and that luscious, rich texture.
1 tablespoon red gel food coloring: Essential for that iconic, vibrant red velvet color without affecting flavor.
¾ cups all-purpose flour: Builds structure while keeping the brownies tender.
¼ cup cocoa powder: Gives a subtle chocolate note that complements the red velvet flavor perfectly.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake layer contributing creamy tanginess.
¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling just right.
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Brightens the cheesecake flavor with its sweet aroma.
1 large egg: Binds the cheesecake filling together for a silky texture.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8-by-8-inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal later — this small step makes slicing and serving a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined. Then, pour in the melted butter and red gel food coloring, whisking until the batter is smooth and vibrantly red.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Next, sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Gently whisk everything together until just combined. You want the batter to be smooth but avoid overmixing to keep the brownies tender.

Step 4: Spread the Brownie Base

Spread all but about 3 tablespoons of this red velvet brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. This sets the stage for the luscious cheesecake topping.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and 1 egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This rich filling adds that tangy, velvety contrast that makes this recipe irresistible.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers

Pour the cheesecake filling over the brownie layer in the pan. Then, drop spoonfuls of the reserved 3 tablespoons of brownie batter over the cheesecake. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batter and cheesecake together for a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake the combined layers in the center of the oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The brownies should have a slight jiggle but be set around the edges.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling time sets the cheesecake layer firmly so you get clean, perfect slices every time.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

The image shows several square pieces of red and cream swirled brownies laid out on a metal wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. Each piece has two visible layers: a deep red bottom layer with a moist, dense texture, and a creamy light layer swirled on top, creating a marbled pattern with streaks of both colors blending smoothly. The brownies are arranged in a slightly scattered manner, with some stacked gently on each other and others lying flat, showcasing their thick, even layers and glossy finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These brownies shine best with simple garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries add just the right touch of elegance without overpowering the flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle some white chocolate or cream cheese frosting on top for extra decadence.

Side Dishes

Pair your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their richness. Fresh berries on the side also add refreshing tartness that cuts through the dense layers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the brownies on a decorative platter with edible flowers or sprinkles for festive appeal. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares and arrange them on skewers for a fun, shareable dessert display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, pop them in the fridge to keep the cheesecake layer fresh, where they will last for about 5 days.

Freezing

You can freeze these brownies for longer storage by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen brownies maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you like your brownies slightly warm, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This softens the cheesecake layer beautifully without compromising the texture or flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular food coloring instead of gel?

Gel food coloring is recommended because it delivers intense color without thinning the batter. Using liquid coloring might require more quantity and can affect the brownie’s texture.

Do I need to use unsalted butter?

Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt content better. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt slightly to avoid an overly salty brownie.

What if I don’t have an 8-by-8-inch pan?

An 8-by-8-inch pan is ideal for even baking thickness, but you can use a 9-by-9-inch pan; just keep an eye on the baking time and adjust as needed.

Can I make these brownies vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on eggs, butter, and cream cheese, which are key to its texture and flavor. For a vegan or dairy-free version, you’ll need suitable substitutes for these, but the results may differ.

How do I get the swirl effect?

After pouring the cheesecake layer over the brownie batter, dollop the reserved batter on top and gently run a butter knife through both to create pretty swirls. Avoid over mixing to keep distinct layers.

Final Thoughts

If you love desserts that combine rich flavors with a stunning look, the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is a must-try. Its perfect balance of tangy cheesecake and red velvet sweetness makes it a favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in. Take the time to savor the process and enjoy the delicious results—you won’t be disappointed!