Name: Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon red food coloring; 1 tablespoon cocoa powder; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ teaspoon salt; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg yolk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Swirls of rich red velvet and creamy cheesecake come together in a brownie that’s both stunning and decadently delicious. These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies strike the perfect balance between fudgy chocolate bliss and tangy-sweet cream cheese, with a marbled finish that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Whether you’re baking for a Valentine’s Day treat, a holiday dessert table, or just a weekend indulgence, these brownies deliver wow-factor with minimal effort. The vibrant red velvet base is soft and chewy, while the luscious cheesecake layer adds a silky contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

What Makes These Brownies So Special?

The magic of these brownies lies in the contrast—visually and flavor-wise. The red velvet brownie batter is deeply chocolatey with a hint of cocoa and a signature red hue. On top, a creamy cheesecake swirl not only elevates the flavor but gives each square that gorgeous marbled look.

They’re the kind of dessert that makes people think you spent hours crafting them, when in reality, they come together quickly with pantry staples. The secret is the technique and a few thoughtful ingredients.

Ingredients for the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture to the brownie base.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens both the red velvet and the cheesecake layers.
Eggs – Provide structure and creaminess.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavors of both the brownie and cheesecake.
Cocoa Powder – Gives the red velvet base its light chocolate flavor.
Red Food Coloring – A classic red velvet signature that makes these brownies pop.
All-Purpose Flour – The base structure for the brownies.
Cream Cheese – The star of the swirl, bringing tangy creaminess.
Powdered Sugar – Keeps the cheesecake layer smooth and sweet.

How To Make the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Melt butter in a mixing bowl and whisk in the granulated sugar until fully combined. Add in eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, red food coloring, and a pinch of salt. Stir in flour until a thick red batter forms.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Swirl

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. This becomes your swirl layer.

Step 3: Assemble and Swirl

Spread most of the red velvet batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the top in small dollops, then drop remaining red velvet batter on top. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together for a marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing for clean, defined layers.

How to Serve and Store These Brownies

Serve these beauties once they’re completely cooled and set—they slice best that way. They’re perfect chilled or at room temperature, and if you want an extra treat, try topping one with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual bars for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge or at room temp when you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use natural food coloring instead of red dye?

Yes! Beetroot powder or natural red colorants work well, though the hue may be softer.

Do I need to refrigerate these brownies?

Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, it’s best to store them in the fridge.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Why is my cheesecake layer cracking?

Overbaking or using cold cream cheese can cause cracks. Bring cream cheese to room temp and watch bake time closely.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch pan. You may need a few extra minutes of bake time.

Want More Brownie and Bar Ideas?

If you love these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, you’ll probably enjoy these other crave-worthy bars:

Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for a no-bake, sweet snack.
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread if you’re into ultra-moist bars with nutty sweetness.
Creamy Tortellini Recipe for a savory dinner idea to pair with these brownies for dessert.
Caramel Cheesecake Cookies for a caramel twist on cheesecake flavors.
Condensed Milk Snow Cookies when you want a cookie that melts in your mouth.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra cocoa or try it with less sugar? Did you make them in muffin tins for single-serves?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more of my daily dessert creations here on Pinterest @hallarecipes

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a swirl of rich, chewy red velvet and silky cream cheese. With their vibrant marbled look and irresistible flavor, these brownies are perfect for celebrations or indulgent everyday baking.