Description
These Indulgent Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies combine rich, moist red velvet brownie layers with a creamy cheesecake swirl, creating a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions or satisfying any sweet tooth craving. The luscious combination of cocoa, vibrant red color, and smooth cream cheese makes these brownies both stunning and irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
- 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) cocoa powder
- 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Swirl
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the sides with some overhang for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is fully blended and has a vibrant red hue.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift and fold in the cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, and salt into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and homogeneous, taking care not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract, then mix until the cheesecake filling is silky, uniform, and free of lumps.
- Assemble Brownies: Pour and spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, creating a flat and consistent layer. Then, spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base in random spots.
- Create Swirls: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the cheesecake dollops through the brownie batter to form an elegant marbled pattern. Avoid over-swisting to maintain distinct swirls.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check that the center is set but still moist, and the edges are slightly crisp. Use a toothpick test; it should come out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
- Cool Down: Remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely inside the pan. Cooling fully allows the brownies to firm up, enabling cleaner and neater slicing.
- Cut and Serve: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan. Cut into squares and serve as a delectable dessert or snack.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- You can substitute red food coloring with beet powder or natural coloring for a more natural approach.
- Do not overbake; slightly underbaked brownies will be moister and fudgier when cooled.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Allow brownies to come to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, Dessert, Baked Brownies, Indulgent Brownies
