Oh, you’re in for a real treat today—thank you so much for stopping by! These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are what dessert dreams are made of: a rich, fudgy red velvet brownie base topped (and swirled!) with creamy vanilla cheesecake. Every bite is decadent, slightly tangy, and utterly gorgeous.
Right after this intro, you’ll find the full recipe and step-by-step tips to make these stunners at home. If you’d love to have it delivered straight to your inbox for easy access later, don’t forget to subscribe below. 💌
What Are Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?
These brownies are a marriage of two classic desserts: red velvet cake and cheesecake. The bottom layer is a dense, chocolatey red velvet brownie with that signature cocoa-and-vanilla flavor. On top, you’ve got a silky cheesecake layer that gets swirled into the red velvet for a marbled look that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
I can’t rave about these enough! Here’s why they always get rave reviews:
- Two desserts in one – brownie + cheesecake = dessert jackpot 🍰
- Stunning presentation – the red and white swirls are showstoppers!
- Perfect texture – fudgy, creamy, soft… and not too sweet.
- Easy to make – no mixer required and no fancy steps.
- Make-ahead friendly – they actually taste better the next day!
What Do Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Taste Like?
Imagine the deep, slightly tangy chocolate flavor of red velvet cake in brownie form—dense, chewy, and rich. Then add in a creamy, vanilla-scented cheesecake swirl that brings contrast and balance. Every bite is indulgent and comforting, with that classic red velvet charm and cheesecake’s cool smoothness. SO satisfying!
Benefits of Making Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies at Home
Besides the joy of licking the spoon (admit it!), there are some great reasons to bake these from scratch:
- Control the ingredients – no artificial colors or preservatives.
- Customize the sweetness and cocoa intensity to your taste.
- Save money vs. buying gourmet bakery versions.
- Impress everyone at gatherings or potlucks. Trust me, they disappear.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up these beauties:
For the Red Velvet Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
Nothing fancy required—just the basics:
- 8×8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk & spatula
- Toothpick or knife (for swirling!)
- Cooling rack
Possible Ingredient Swaps & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Natural coloring: Try beet powder instead of red food dye.
- Amp up the cocoa: Add 1–2 extra tablespoons of cocoa for a richer base.
- Add-ins: Mix in white chocolate chips or chopped pecans for texture.
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment or grease it well.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth. Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of batter for swirling, and spread the rest into your prepared pan.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In another bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble & Swirl
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and spread evenly. Dollop the reserved brownie batter on top and use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl it into the cheesecake layer. Don’t overdo it—less is more with the marbling!
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Let them cool completely in the pan before slicing (chilling in the fridge helps with clean cuts!).
What to Serve with Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
These brownies are rich enough to stand alone, but if you’re feeling fancy:
- A scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream
- Drizzle of chocolate or raspberry sauce
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Espresso or hot coffee (trust me, it’s a dreamy combo)
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the vinegar! It enhances the red color and adds that classic tang.
- Use room temp cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake swirl.
- Cool completely before cutting to get clean, even bars.
- Store in the fridge for firmer texture and better flavor.
How to Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Serve chilled or room temp—either way, they’re dreamy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Double it and bake in a 9×13 inch pan. You may need to increase the bake time by 5–10 minutes.
Do I need red food coloring?
You don’t need it, but it gives that classic red velvet look. You can use less or swap it for beet powder or natural dyes.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Sure! Make the brownie base according to package directions and add the cheesecake swirl on top. (But homemade is worth it!!)
How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should be set and the center should still have a slight jiggle. Don’t overbake—they’ll firm up as they cool!
In Conclusion
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are more than just a pretty dessert—they’re the kind of treat that brings a little wow to your table. Easy enough for a weeknight bake, yet elegant enough for a holiday spread or birthday platter. Once you taste them, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make a double batch!
If you’re obsessed with red velvet or can’t get enough of creamy desserts, try one of these next:
- Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
- Mini Red Velvet Cheesecake Bites
- Red Velvet Cake Truffles
Let’s Stay Connected!
If you try these brownies, I’d LOVE to hear how they turned out! Snap a photo, post it to Pinterest, and tag me so I can see your gorgeous swirls! Or leave a comment below—did you add chocolate chips or tweak the recipe? I’m all ears.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 16 squares)
- Calories: ~180
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: <1g
- Sodium: 80mg
