Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe for Sweet Dreams

Crafting delectable red velvet cheesecake brownies becomes an art of culinary magic that promises pure indulgence.

Sweet layers meld together in a decadent dance of flavors.

Chocolate and cream cheese create a luxurious harmony that melts across your palate.

Rich crimson hues peek through velvety swirls, hinting at the delightful complexity within.

Smooth textures intertwine, promising a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

Each bite promises a symphony of contrasting yet complementary sensations.

Prepare to experience a dessert that will become your new obsession.

Why Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Are So Worth It

• Craft a Showstopping Dessert: Create a stunning red velvet cheesecake brownie that looks like it came straight from a professional bakery with minimal effort.
• Impress Your Crowd: Deliver a knockout dessert that combines the rich chocolate of brownies, the tanginess of cheesecake, and the dramatic visual appeal of red velvet in one irresistible treat.
• Customize with Ease: Sprinkle white chocolate chips or dust with powdered sugar to transform this recipe into a personalized sweet experience that matches any celebration or mood.
• Minimal Baking Skills Required: Follow simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results even for novice bakers, making this recipe accessible and foolproof for anyone craving a decadent dessert.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

• All-Purpose Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the brownie batter.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the brownies.
• Baking Powder: Helps the brownies rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the brownie mixture.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the brownies.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with brownie structure.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.

• Red Food Coloring, White Vinegar: Work together to create the signature red velvet color and subtle tanginess.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, classic flavor to the brownies.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy swirl that complements the chocolate brownie base.

• Powdered Sugar, White Chocolate Chips: Optional toppings for added sweetness and decoration.

How to Make These Gorgeous Brownies Easily

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, letting edges hang slightly over for easy lifting later. Preheat the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and set aside.

Step 3: Create Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar together until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Build Vibrant Red Mixture

• Buttermilk
• Red food coloring
• White vinegar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the batter transforms into a stunning, vibrant red color.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined – avoid overmixing to keep the texture perfect.

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Topping

Beat cream cheese in a separate bowl until it reaches a silky smooth consistency.

Step 7: Layer the Batter

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drop softened cream cheese in dollops across the surface.

Step 8: Create Marbled Design

Use a knife to swirl the cream cheese through the brownie batter, creating a beautiful marbled pattern.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Finish

Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan for about an hour. Once cooled, lift out using the parchment paper edges.

Step 11: Add Final Touches

Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle white chocolate chips on top if desired. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips for Swirling the Cheesecake Just Right

• Prevent Overmixing: Mix brownie batter gently to maintain a tender, soft texture and avoid tough, dense brownies.
• Color Control: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red hue that doesn't water down the batter's consistency.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Technique: Drop cream cheese mixture in random dollops and use a knife to create beautiful, Instagram-worthy marbled patterns.
• Cooling Matters: Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat edges and prevent crumbling.
• Storage Savvy: Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, layering with parchment paper between rows to prevent sticking.

Flavor Swaps for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Fold white and dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter before adding cream cheese swirls for extra richness and texture.
• Nutty Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the cream cheese layer before baking to add crunch and nutty flavor.
• Raspberry Swirl Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Mix raspberry preserves into the cream cheese layer and create a beautiful marbled effect with a fruity tang.
• Salted Caramel Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownies for a decadent, sweet-salty finish.

What to Serve with These Brownies

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Select a rich, fruity red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot that complements the dessert's decadent chocolate and cream cheese flavors, creating a luxurious tasting experience.
• Enhance with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the brownies to balance the rich, tangy cream cheese and provide a cool, smooth contrast to the warm dessert.
• Match with Espresso Martini: Create a sophisticated dessert pairing by serving a chilled espresso martini, which cuts through the sweetness and adds a sophisticated coffee undertone to the red velvet brownies.
• Serve with Fresh Raspberries: Garnish the plate with fresh, tart raspberries that brighten the chocolate and cream cheese flavors, adding a pop of color and a refreshing fruity element to the dessert.

How to Store Your Red Velvet Brownies

• Store brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Keep brownies in a sealed container at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving soon. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
• Store brownies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use a container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent them from becoming soggy.

Brownie FAQs for Beginners

• What gives red velvet brownies their distinctive color?

The red food coloring creates the signature vibrant red hue, which is enhanced by the small amount of cocoa powder and white vinegar in the recipe.

• Can I make these brownies without food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the food coloring, but the brownies will look more like traditional chocolate brownies without the classic red velvet appearance.

• Why does the recipe use buttermilk and white vinegar?

These ingredients help activate the cocoa powder and create a tender, slightly tangy flavor characteristic of red velvet desserts, while also helping to soften the texture of the brownies.

• How do I achieve the perfect marbled cream cheese swirl?

Drop dollops of cream cheese mixture across the brownie batter and use a knife to gently drag and create swirl patterns, being careful not to overmix.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent red velvet cheesecake brownies blend rich chocolate with creamy cheesecake for an irresistible dessert. Rich layers of flavor and texture promise a delightful experience that will satisfy sweet cravings in one luxurious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp red food coloring

Leavening and Binding:

• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp white vinegar

Topping and Garnish:

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp white chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing slight overhang for easy removal.
2. Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined and set aside.
3. Cream butter and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, then incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Add buttermilk, red food coloring, white vinegar, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, blending until a vibrant red color is achieved.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth, then carefully spread the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
7. Drop softened cream cheese mixture in dollops across the brownie batter, using a knife to create a marbled swirl effect.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for about 1 hour.
10. Lift the brownies out using parchment paper edges, dust with powdered sugar, and optionally sprinkle white chocolate chips on top.
11. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture to maintain a tender, soft brownie texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Color Intensity Tip: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant, concentrated red color without adding extra liquid to the batter.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Technique: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother spreading and easier marbling effect.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These brownies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, making them perfect for advance preparation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg