Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Introduction

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the best of two beloved desserts: the rich, decadent flavor of red velvet cake and the creamy, tangy indulgence of cheesecake. These swirled brownies are as beautiful as they are delicious, with their striking red color and velvety cheesecake layer that immediately catches your eye. The fudgy red velvet brownie base is soft and moist, providing the perfect foundation for the silky, tangy cheesecake that adds a delicious contrast. Each bite is a balance of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

I first made these brownies for a special occasion, and they were an instant hit. The combination of the vibrant red velvet and the creamy cheesecake layer was a showstopper at the dessert table. Watching my friends and family enjoy them, I realized they were the perfect dessert for any celebration or when you just want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent.

What I love about Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies is that they’re a total crowd-pleaser. They’re simple to make yet look so impressive with their layers of rich, contrasting flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a birthday, a holiday, or just a cozy night in, these brownies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Holiday gatherings
• Birthdays and anniversaries
• Dinner parties
• Red velvet lovers

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Here’s why Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies will be a hit:

• Decadent Layers: The rich red velvet brownie base and creamy cheesecake swirl together, creating a luscious contrast of flavors and textures in each bite.
• Perfectly Balanced: The mild tang of the cheesecake offsets the sweetness of the red velvet, creating a well-balanced dessert that’s not overly rich.
• Visually Stunning: The vibrant red color of the red velvet brownie base combined with the contrasting white cheesecake swirl makes for a beautiful presentation, perfect for impressing guests.
• Easy to Make: Despite looking elegant, these brownies are simple to prepare and come together in just a few steps.
• Versatile: You can easily adapt the recipe by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other flavors to make it your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12-16 brownies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

To make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, gather the following ingredients:

For the Red Velvet Brownie Base:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Red Food Coloring: Red velvet cake is known for its signature vibrant red color, making it both visually appealing and delicious.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps make the brownie base tender and moist.
• Cream Cheese: A key ingredient in the cheesecake layer, it gives the swirl its rich, creamy texture and a slight tang that complements the sweetness of the brownies.
• Vinegar: The vinegar reacts with the baking soda to create a fluffy, light texture in the brownie base.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies:

Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and vinegar until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:

5. Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
6. Layer the Brownie Batter: Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
7. Add the Cheesecake Layer: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.

Bake the Brownies:

8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). The cheesecake layer should be set, and the brownies should have a soft, fudgy texture.
9. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and place them on a cutting board.

Serve:

10. Cut and Serve: Once the brownies have cooled, slice them into 12-16 pieces and serve.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Here’s how to serve your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies:

• With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each brownie for an extra creamy touch.
• With a Side of Vanilla Ice Cream: These brownies pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream, adding a cold, creamy contrast to the warm, fudgy texture.
• As a Party Dessert: Serve them at parties or gatherings for a striking, bite-sized dessert.
• For a Fancy Touch: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate ganache for a more elegant presentation.
• As a Sweet Snack: Enjoy them with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.

Additional Tips for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Here are some tips to make sure your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies turn out perfectly:

• Let the Brownies Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them to prevent them from falling apart.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the brownie batter can make the texture dense and heavy. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Adjust the Red Food Coloring: You can use more or less food coloring depending on how vibrant you want the red color to be. Just keep in mind that the more you add, the more intense the flavor may become.
• Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, check your brownies after 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are done.
• Serve at Room Temperature: These brownies are best served at room temperature. Refrigerating them can cause the cheesecake layer to harden, making them less creamy.

Recipe Variations for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies:

• Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
• Nutty Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a crunchy texture.
• White Chocolate Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Drizzle white chocolate over the top for a smooth and creamy contrast.
• Lemon Zest Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Add lemon zest to the cheesecake layer for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Peanut Butter Swirl Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Swirl in peanut butter into the cheesecake layer for a nutty, rich flavor.
• Caramel Drizzle Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top before serving for added sweetness.
• Mini Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Make individual-sized brownies using a mini muffin tin for a bite-sized version.
• Oreo Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Add crushed Oreos to the brownie batter for a cookie-like crunch.
• Raspberry Swirl Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: Swirl in raspberry puree for a fruity, tangy flavor.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes: Use the same recipe but bake in cupcake liners for individual servings.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: These brownies freeze well! Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave before serving if desired.

Special Equipment for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies easier:

• Electric Mixer: An electric mixer will help you quickly beat the cream cheese mixture to a smooth, creamy consistency.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan: A square baking pan is perfect for making these brownies, ensuring an even thickness.
• Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper to easily lift the brownies out of the pan once they are baked and cooled.
• Whisk: A whisk is helpful for mixing the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients without over-mixing.
• Toothpick or Knife: Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter for the marbled effect.

FAQ Section for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

1. Can I use regular food coloring instead of red food coloring?
   It’s best to use red food coloring specifically designed for baking to achieve the rich red color typical of red velvet.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
   Yes, these brownies can be made the day before and stored in an airtight container. The flavors will even improve after sitting overnight.
3. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
   Low-fat cream cheese will work, but the texture and flavor might not be as creamy as with full-fat cream cheese.
4. Can I skip the buttermilk?
   If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and vinegar (1 tablespoon of vinegar plus enough milk to make 1/4 cup).
5. Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Print

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent treat that brings together two beloved desserts in one incredible bite. The rich, fudgy red velvet brownie base pairs perfectly with the velvety, creamy cheesecake swirl, creating a stunning contrast of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or a simple afternoon treat, these brownies are sure to impress with their vibrant color and irresistible taste.

With their elegant appearance and deliciously indulgent flavor, these brownies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. The creamy cheesecake filling adds a luxurious touch, making each bite feel like a special occasion. You can easily cut them into squares or serve them as individual portions for a delightful dessert everyone will enjoy.

I can’t wait to see how your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your beautiful creations! Feel free to leave a comment and share any variations you made. Enjoy every decadent bite!