Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies (Printable version)

Fudgy red velvet and creamy cheesecake combine in these decadent brownies, perfect for any special occasion or sweet craving.

# What You Need:

→ Red Velvet Brownie Layer

01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs, at room temperature
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

→ Cheesecake Layer

09 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
10 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
11 - 1 large egg
12 - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Whisk melted butter and sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring; mix until combined.
03 - Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
04 - Reserve 1/4 cup of batter for swirling. Spread remaining batter evenly across the prepared pan.
05 - Beat cream cheese until smooth in a medium bowl. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; beat until creamy and lump-free.
06 - Pour cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan and spread into an even layer.
07 - Dollop reserved red velvet batter by spoonfuls over the cheesecake. Use a knife or skewer to create marble swirls.
08 - Bake for 35 minutes until center is just set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
09 - Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before cutting into clean squares.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The brownie layer stays impossibly fudgy while the cheesecake topping adds this cloud-like contrast that makes each bite feel like a special occasion
  • Theyre equally stunning for Valentines Day, Christmas, or a random Tuesday when you need something extraordinary
02 -
  • The toothpick test is tricky here because you have two different textures—aim for moist crumbs rather than completely clean, since these stay fudgy
  • Refrigeration is not optional for clean cuts, but serve them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience
03 -
  • White chocolate folded into the brownie layer adds these sweet pockets that complement the tangy cheesecake perfectly
  • If your swirls look messy, dont stress—dust with powdered sugar and suddenly it becomes rustic elegance
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