Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Sugar: Whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and granular, ensuring an even blend of ingredients.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the four large eggs by whisking thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Flour and Vanilla to Swirl: Mix in the flour and vanilla extract until completely incorporated, ensuring a smooth cream cheese mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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