Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 2 large eggs; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; ¼ cup granulated sugar

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 1 review

If you’re ready to dive into a dessert that combines the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake with the rich, chocolaty goodness of brownies, you’ve hit the jackpot! This Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is a showstopper that’s both elegant and downright addictive. The vibrant red velvet brownie batter swirled with soft, dreamy cheesecake creates a stunning look and an irresistible flavor duo that’s perfect for any celebration or just a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with dark reddish-brown thick batter, with visible swirls and texture from mixing. A wooden spoon with a light brown handle rests inside the bowl, partially covered by the batter. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and near the top right of the frame, there is a small glass cup filled with a dark liquid and a white spoon next to a white carton holding three white eggs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing too fancy here, just some simple pantry staples and a few key ingredients that come together to deliver on texture, flavor, and that gorgeous red hue you expect from a red velvet dessert.

Unsalted butter, ½ cup melted: Adds richness and moisture for fudgy brownies.
Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens both the brownie and cheesecake layers perfectly.
Unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ cup: Gives deep chocolate notes that balance the red velvet flavor.
Red gel food coloring, ½ teaspoon: Provides vibrant color without watering down the batter.
Vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
Large eggs, 2: Bind the brownie batter for structure and richness.
All-purpose flour, ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon: Creates the perfect brownie texture and stabilizes the cheesecake.
Cream cheese, 1 package (8 ounces), softened: The star of the cheesecake layer, creamy and luscious.
Large egg, 1 (for cheesecake): Binds the cheesecake filling for smooth consistency.
Granulated sugar, ¼ cup (for cheesecake): Sweetens the cheesecake to creamy perfection.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep ensures your brownies come out perfect every time.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and unsweetened cocoa powder until thick and luscious. Stir in the red gel food coloring carefully — this is where the signature red velvet color shines through, so don’t skimp on it! Next, add vanilla extract, kosher salt, and eggs, mixing until the batter smooths out. Finally, fold in the flour just until everything comes together; overmixing will toughen your brownies.

Step 3: Layer the Brownie Batter

Set aside about a quarter cup of this batter for later, then spread the rest evenly in your prepared baking dish. This bottom brownie layer is the rich foundation for the dreamy cheesecake layer that follows.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a clean bowl, blend softened cream cheese, one egg, a tablespoon of flour, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Whip on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until incredibly smooth and creamy. This filling keeps the texture light and velvety, contrasting beautifully with the dense brownie.

Step 5: Add the Cheesecake Layer

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet brownie base and smooth it out evenly using a spatula. This step is key to get that perfect swirl effect later.

Step 6: Dollop and Swirl

Grab your reserved red velvet batter and dollop spoonfuls evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer—about nine scoops should do it. Then, using a toothpick or skewer, gently swirl the two batters together, creating beautiful marbled patterns that will bake up stunning and irresistible.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop your pan in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheesecake center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out; this ensures it stays soft and creamy once cooled. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing—this chilling step is the secret to clean, flawless squares.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

This image shows a group of square red velvet cheesecake brownies arranged close together on a white marbled surface. The brownies have two visible layers: a thick bottom layer of deep red velvet with a soft, crumbly texture, and a top layer of creamy white cheesecake mixed with red velvet swirls creating a marbled pattern. One brownie is slightly lifted, showing the distinct thick red velvet base beneath the swirled cheesecake top, highlighting the two-layer structure and the smooth texture of the cheesecake. A red cloth is partially visible in the corners. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These brownies are a work of art all on their own, but a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate sauce adds that extra wow factor. Fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream can also add a refreshing contrast and a burst of flavor that complements the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a decadent dessert experience. The cold creaminess of the ice cream melts into each bite, balancing the dense brownie and silky cheesecake layers beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut these brownies into small bite-sized squares for a party platter or stack them with layers of fresh berries and whipped cream in individual dessert jars for an elegant presentation. You can even drizzle them with chocolate ganache or sprinkle edible gold dust for a festive flair that will impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your fresh brownies, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain the cheesecake’s creamy texture and keep the brownie fudgy. They will stay delicious for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every bite.

Freezing

If you want to keep these brownies longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

For the best experience, thaw brownies overnight in the fridge. You can serve them cold or warm them slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked feel. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cheesecake layer might lose its silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular red food coloring instead of gel?

While you can, gel food coloring is preferred because it provides more vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency. Regular liquid coloring might make the batter too runny, affecting the texture.

What if I don’t have cream cheese at room temperature?

Softening the cream cheese is crucial for a smooth cheesecake layer. To speed up the process, microwave the block for 15-20 seconds or let it sit in a warm spot until softened but not melted.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

This recipe relies on dairy for its signature flavors, but you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and butter substitutes. Just note that results may vary in texture and taste.

How do I know when the brownies are done?

The edges should be set and starting to pull away from the pan, and the cheesecake center will still have a slight jiggle. Avoid overbaking to keep the fudgy texture.

Can I swap the flour for gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Use a one-to-one gluten-free baking flour blend for best results. This way, everyone can enjoy the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe without worry.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the joy of digging into a dessert as stunning and scrumptious as this Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of textures, flavors, and colors that’s guaranteed to become your new favorite indulgence. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again, whether for special occasions or everyday sweet moments. So get baking and enjoy every delicious bite!