Description
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer swirled throughout, creating an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 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
For the Cheesecake
- 1 package (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make brownie batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder. The mixture will be thick. Stir in the red gel food coloring using a wooden spoon.
- Add flavorings and eggs: Mix in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and eggs until the batter becomes smooth.
- Incorporate flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Set aside some batter and pour the rest: Remove about ¼ cup of the brownie batter and set it aside for swirling later. Pour the remaining batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, flour, and sugar on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Layer cheesecake over brownies: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie layer and smooth the surface.
- Add reserved brownie batter dollops: Using a small metal scoop or teaspoon, dollop about 9 scoops of the reserved brownie batter over the cheesecake layer.
- Swirl batter and cheesecake: Use a toothpick to gently swirl the brownie dollops and cheesecake mixture together to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The cheesecake center might still appear slightly soft but will set as it cools.
- Cool and chill: Allow the brownies to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to firm up the cheesecake layer.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Use a toothpick gently while swirling to avoid fully mixing the layers.
- Chilling the brownies after baking helps the cheesecake layer set properly and makes slicing easier.
- You can substitute red gel food coloring with liquid food coloring, but gel gives a more vibrant color without altering batter consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American