Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl and a vibrant red velvet color. They’re perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want a dessert that’s both impressive and delicious.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, diced into large cubes
• 4 ounces 72% bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ounce red food coloring (or as needed for desired shade)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large egg whites
• 8 ounce package cream cheese, very well softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with heavy duty aluminum foil for easy cleanup and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the cubed butter and chopped chocolate. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. If needed, heat in 15-second increments until fully melted and combined.
3. Step 3: Add the 2 cups of sugar to the chocolate mixture and whisk to combine. The mixture may look thick and granular.
4. Step 4: Whisk in the 4 large eggs until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Add the red food coloring and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whisk gently at first until smooth, then add more food coloring if a deeper red is desired.
6. Step 6: Stir in the cocoa powder until evenly mixed.
7. Step 7: Add the flour and salt, then stir to combine. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
8. Step 8: In a separate bowl, beat the 2 egg whites, cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer on high for about 5 minutes. The mixture should be very smooth and significantly fluffed.
9. Step 9: Add 2 tablespoons flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, then beat until just combined.
10. Step 10: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan.
11. Step 11: Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
12. Step 12: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Check starting at 30 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
13. Step 13: Allow to cool before lifting the brownies out using the foil edges. Cut into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more intense hues without thinning the batter.
• If you prefer a milk chocolate flavor, substitute the bittersweet chocolate with a good quality milk chocolate.
• Ensure the cream cheese is very soft to achieve a smooth swirl and fluffy texture in the cheesecake layer.
• Swirl gently but thoroughly to create beautiful marbling without mixing the layers completely.

Storage

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving or warm gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without red food coloring?

Yes, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer. The brownies will have a rich chocolate color but won’t have the signature red velvet appearance.

Why do I need to use two types of eggs?

The whole eggs are used in the brownie batter for structure and moisture, while the egg whites in the cream cheese mixture help to lighten and fluff the cheesecake swirl.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 102 reviews

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl and the vibrant color of red velvet. Perfectly balanced with bittersweet chocolate and a slight cocoa flavor, these brownies offer a beautiful marbled effect and a decadent dessert experience.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 42 minutes
• Total Time: 57 minutes
• Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Base

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, diced into large cubes
• 4 ounces 72% bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 ounce red food coloring (or as needed for desired shade)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Cream Cheese Swirl

• 2 large egg whites
• 8 ounce package cream cheese, very well softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easier cleanup if desired and spray it generously with cooking spray. Set this aside while you prepare the batter.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the cubed unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate into a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high power for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. If necessary, heat further in 15-second increments until fully melted and combined.
3. Add Sugar: Whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and granular, ensuring an even blend of ingredients.
4. Add Eggs: Incorporate the four large eggs by whisking thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
5. Add Red Food Coloring and Vanilla: Gently whisk in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Begin whisking gently, then continue to mix thoroughly. Add more food coloring as needed to achieve your desired vibrant red shade.
6. Mix Cocoa and Dry Ingredients: Stir in the sifted cocoa powder until fully incorporated, then add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, mixing until smooth and no lumps remain.
7. Transfer Brownie Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter into the lined and greased pan, spreading evenly. Set aside while you prepare the cream cheese swirl.
8. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a medium bowl, beat the egg whites, softened cream cheese, and granulated sugar using a handheld electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is very smooth and has significantly increased in volume and fluffiness.
9. Add Flour and Vanilla to Swirl: Mix in the flour and vanilla extract until completely incorporated, ensuring a smooth cream cheese mixture.
10. Apply Swirl to Brownies: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. It may seem like a large quantity, but it balances perfectly after baking.
11. Create Marbled Effect: Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter to create an attractive marbled pattern. Avoid over-mixing to maintain distinct swirls.
12. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes (42 minutes is ideal) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking for doneness at 30 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking and browning.
13. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing to serve. This helps them set perfectly and makes cutting easier.

Notes

• You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to get the shade of red velvet you prefer.
• Using heavy-duty aluminum foil to line your pan helps clean-up easier and makes it simpler to lift brownies out after baking.
• Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even browning and cooking, especially since ovens and climates can vary greatly.
• If your brownies require more than 45 minutes to bake, continue baking until done, as thicker pans and different ovens influence baking time.
• Ensure cream cheese is very well softened to achieve a smooth cream cheese swirl without lumps.

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, red velvet cheesecake brownies, dessert brownies, chocolate dessert, marbled brownies