Go Back
To make red velvet cheesecake brownies, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 3 large eggs - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon red food coloring These ingredients come together to create a rich and soft brownie base. The melted butter adds moisture, while the sugar helps with sweetness and texture. For the cheesecake layer, you will need: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer) This layer adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweet, chocolatey brownie. Softened cream cheese mixes easily, creating a smooth texture for the layer. To make your brownies shine, source fresh, quality ingredients: - Choose unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. - Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor. - Opt for pure vanilla extract instead of imitation for true flavor. - Select fresh eggs, as they improve texture and taste. - Look for cream cheese that is soft and creamy, as it blends better. Buying the best ingredients enhances the overall taste of your brownies. Don't hesitate to visit local markets or specialty stores for fresh finds. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up the oven for even baking. Next, you need a 9x13 inch baking pan. Lightly grease it or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove the brownies later. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar. Mix these until they blend well. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, then crack in 3 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to stir well after adding each egg. In another bowl, sift together 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This step helps remove lumps. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Finally, mix in 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. Stir until the batter is smooth and evenly colored. This is your red velvet brownie base. For the cream cheese layer, take 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. In a separate bowl, beat it until creamy. Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This layer adds richness to your brownies. Now, pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, carefully spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the red velvet layer. Use a knife to swirl the two mixtures together. This creates a beautiful marbled effect. After that, pour the remaining red velvet batter on top. Gently spread it to cover the cream cheese layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, they’re ready. Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your delicious red velvet cheesecake brownies! To get the best texture for your brownies, focus on mixing. Don’t overmix the batter after adding flour. This helps keep the brownies soft. Use room temperature eggs for better blending. The cream cheese layer should be smooth and creamy. It adds a nice contrast to the brownies. One common mistake is not measuring ingredients. Use a kitchen scale for precision. Another mistake is baking too long. Check for doneness around 30 minutes. A toothpick should have a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step. Cutting them too soon can make a mess. Use high-quality cocoa powder for a rich taste. Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor. For presentation, dust the brownies with powdered sugar. Add fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for color. Serve on a nice platter to impress your guests. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the brownie batter just until combined to maintain a fudgy texture. Swirl with Care: When creating the marbled effect, use a gentle hand to avoid fully blending the layers. Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing for cleaner edges. {{image_2}} You can add nuts for a nice crunch. I like walnuts or pecans. Chop them finely and sprinkle them onto the brownie batter. Just fold them in gently to keep the texture. This adds a lovely nutty flavor. The nuts also contrast well with the soft cheesecake layer. To make these brownies gluten-free, swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum, which helps with texture. Follow the same steps in the recipe. Your brownies will still be rich and tasty, perfect for everyone. You can easily make this dessert vegan. Use melted coconut oil instead of butter. Replace eggs with flax eggs, made from ground flaxseed and water. For the cream cheese layer, use a vegan cream cheese. Mix it with powdered sugar and a splash of almond milk. This way, you can enjoy all the flavors while keeping it plant-based. To keep your red velvet cheesecake brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, put them in the fridge. This will keep them tasty for about a week. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before eating. The flavors will shine through better this way. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. First, cut the brownies into squares. Then, wrap each square in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just pull out a square and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To warm up your brownies, use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, heat for about 10-15 seconds. Check to see if it’s warm enough. If you use the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Put the brownies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them soft and gooey, just like when they were fresh! Enjoy the delightful taste again! Red velvet desserts trace back to the 1800s. They gained fame in the Southern United States. These treats were known for their rich, red hue and soft texture. The red color often came from cocoa powder and buttermilk. Many believe it symbolizes love and romance. Today, red velvet is a favorite for cakes and brownies alike. Its unique flavor mixes cocoa with a hint of vanilla. Yes, you can make these brownies in advance. Prepare them a day or two ahead for best results. Let the brownies cool completely before covering them. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and moist. If you want to store them longer, freeze them. Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy. To check if the brownies are done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean, they are ready. You may see a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on them. Start checking around 30 minutes. Remember, they will continue to cook a bit after you take them out. In this blog post, we explored the rich world of red velvet cheesecake brownies. We covered key ingredients to perfect each layer, along with tips to avoid common mistakes. You learned step-by-step how to make this treat and its variations, including gluten-free options. Remember to store your brownies well for lasting freshness. These small details can make a big difference in your baking. Enjoy the process and taste the results!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a red velvet base and a creamy cheesecake swirl.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 egg for cheesecake layer
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the vanilla extract and eggs to the mixture, one at a time, stirring well after each addition.
  • In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
  • Mix in the red food coloring until the batter is uniformly colored and smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla extract for the cheesecake layer until creamy and smooth.
  • Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  • Carefully spoon dollops of the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet layer. Use a knife to swirl the two mixtures together to create a marbled effect.
  • Pour the remaining red velvet batter on top and gently spread to cover the cheesecake layer.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.

Notes

Serve the brownies on a decorative platter. Dust with extra powdered sugar for a charming finish and add fresh raspberries on the side for a pop of color.
Keyword brownies, cheesecake, red velvet