Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent fusion of two beloved desserts—fudgy red velvet brownies and creamy cheesecake. With vibrant red color, rich cocoa flavor, and a tangy swirl of cheesecake on top, these eye-catching bars are perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly indulgent.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

for the red velvet brownie base:
unsalted buttersugarcocoa powdereggsvanilla extractred food coloringwhite vinegarall-purpose floursalt

for the cheesecake swirl:
cream cheesesugareggvanilla extract

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

In a bowl, melt butter and stir in sugar and cocoa powder. Let cool slightly.

Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, red food coloring, and vinegar until smooth.

Stir in flour and salt just until combined—do not overmix.

Pour most of the batter into the prepared pan, reserving a small amount for swirling.

In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and spread gently.

Dollop the reserved red velvet batter over the top and swirl with a knife or skewer.

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool completely before slicing for clean layers.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 9–12 brownies.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 30 minutesCooling time: 1 hourTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra richness.

Use heart-shaped cookie cutters for Valentine’s Day treats.

Swap red food coloring for beet juice for a natural alternative.

Drizzle with white chocolate for a decorative finish.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Serve chilled or bring to room temperature before enjoying.Freeze for up to 2 months, separating layers with parchment paper.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

For ease, yes—just mix in red food coloring and follow the cheesecake swirl instructions.

Why vinegar in red velvet?

It enhances the red color and reacts with the cocoa for flavor and texture.

How do I know when it’s done?

The cheesecake should be set and a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not batter.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time to 35–40 minutes.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, refrigeration is best for freshness.

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a stunning and scrumptious dessert that delivers on both flavor and presentation. With their eye-catching swirl and luscious texture, they’re a guaranteed hit for any celebration—or whenever you’re craving something rich and memorable.