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Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

red velvet cheesecake brownies - featured image

These decadent red velvet cheesecake brownies feature a fudgy red velvet base with a luscious cream cheese swirl, creating a creamy, rich, and irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons red food coloring (gel food coloring recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined but do not overmix.
  3. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and stir until just blended.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder.
  5. Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
  6. Add the red food coloring and fold it in until the batter is a vibrant red.
  7. Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until very smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
  9. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter in spoonfuls.
  10. Repeat layers with the remaining batter and cream cheese mixture.
  11. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl through the batter and cream cheese layers to create a marbled effect without over-swelling.
  12. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  13. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting, at least 1 hour.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep brownies fudgy. Use room temperature ingredients for smooth texture. Use gel food coloring for vibrant color. Swirl gently to avoid muddy colors. Tent with foil if edges bake faster. Cool completely before slicing to keep swirl defined.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl, cream cheese brownies, fudgy brownies, easy dessert, homemade brownies, red velvet dessert