Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Introduction

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the vibrant color and subtle tang of red velvet. Swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer, this dessert is a stunning and delicious treat perfect for any occasion.

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 (adjust 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 for easier cleanup and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed butter and chopped chocolate. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, stirring until melted and smooth. Heat in additional 15-second intervals if needed.
3. Step 3: Add the sugar to the chocolate mixture and whisk until combined. The mixture will be thick and granular.
4. Step 4: Whisk in the eggs until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Add the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Whisk gently at first and then fully incorporate. Adjust the food coloring to achieve your desired shade of red.
6. Step 6: Stir in the cocoa powder until evenly combined.
7. Step 7: Add the flour and salt, stirring just until incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
8. Step 8: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract on high with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
9. Step 9: Add the flour to the cream cheese mixture and beat to combine.
10. Step 10: Drop heaping spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan.
11. Step 11: Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese mixture gently into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
12. Step 12: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 30 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
13. Step 13: Allow brownies to cool before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red velvet.
• For easier cleanup, lining the pan with aluminum foil is highly recommended.
• Try adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Swap cream cheese for mascarpone in the swirl for a lighter, silkier texture.

Storage

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm a slice briefly in the microwave until just warm. Brownies can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute the 72% bittersweet chocolate with another dark chocolate of similar cocoa percentage. Milk chocolate will alter the flavor and sweetness.

How do I get the perfect swirl pattern?

Drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture randomly over the brownie batter and then use a knife or skewer to swirl gently in a figure-eight or circular motion without overmixing.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 103 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, deep flavor of bittersweet chocolate brownies with a luscious, creamy cheesecake swirl tinted a vibrant red. Moist and fudgy brownies form the perfect base while the marbled cream cheese topping adds a tangy contrast and striking visual appeal. Baked to perfection in a single pan, these decadent treats are ideal for celebrations or anytime indulgence.

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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

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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 if desired for easier cleanup, and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a very large microwave-safe bowl, add the cubed butter and chopped chocolate. Heat on high power for 90 seconds, or until the butter has melted and the chocolate can be stirred smooth. If not fully melted, heat in additional 15-second increments, stirring each time.
3. Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar to the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until combined; the mixture will be thick and granular. Then, whisk in the eggs until fully incorporated.
4. Incorporate Color and Flavor: Add the red food coloring and vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk gently at first to combine, then add more food coloring as needed until the batter reaches the desired deep red hue.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the sifted cocoa powder, then add the flour and kosher salt. Mix gently until fully incorporated into a smooth batter.
6. Pour Brownie Batter into Pan: Transfer the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese swirl.
7. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, add the egg whites, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar. Use a handheld electric mixer on high speed to beat for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is completely smooth and has increased in volume significantly.
8. Add Remaining Ingredients to Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat in the flour and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
9. Top Brownie Batter: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Though it seems like a lot, this amount creates the perfect swirl after baking.
10. Swirl the Mixture: Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese topping into the brownie batter, creating a marbled pattern.
11. Bake: 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 halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning. If needed, extend baking time based on your oven’s characteristics.

Notes

• You can adjust the red food coloring quantity to achieve your preferred shade of red; start with less and add gradually.
• Swirling the cream cheese topping gently ensures a beautiful marbled effect without completely mixing in, preserving distinct layers.
• Use a high-quality bittersweet chocolate bar for the best flavor depth in the brownies.
• Line the pan with foil and spray to simplify removal and cleanup.
• Rotate the pan midway through baking to promote even cooking.
• Check doneness with a toothpick starting at 30 minutes; thicker batters may require a longer baking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: red velvet cheesecake brownies, red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert brownies