Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe

This Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies recipe is a real treat for dessert lovers and so easy to make! No complicated layering, just swirl the tangy cheesecake into the vibrant red velvet base and let the oven work its magic to create a fudgy, decadent masterpiece. Make it once and you’ll never go back to standard brownies again! It’s delicious with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a hot cup of coffee, a handful of fresh strawberries; in fact most things.

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Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Brownies:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (21 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons red gel food coloring (or 1 tablespoon liquid)
• 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar
• 3/4 cup (94 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 ounces (226 g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

How To Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe

1. Prep the station: Preheat your oven to 177 C (350 F). Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the red velvet base: Melt the butter in a large microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments. Once melted, stir in the 1 cup of sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, red food coloring, and the white vinegar. The vinegar is the “secret” to red velvet—it reacts with the cocoa to deepen the color and adds that signature slight tang.
3. Incorporate eggs and flour: Whisk in the 2 beaten eggs until the batter is glossy. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just incorporated. Do not overmix, or the brownies will become cakey rather than fudgy. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, but make sure to save about 3 to 4 tablespoons of the batter for the final swirl.
4. Whip the cheesecake layer: In a medium bowl, use a handheld mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, the egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix on medium speed for about 1 minute until the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.
5. The artistic swirl: Dollop large spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie batter in the pan. Use the reserved 3 to 4 tablespoons of brownie batter to dollop on top of the white cheesecake spots. Take a butter knife and glide it through the layers to create a beautiful marble or swirl pattern.
6. Bake and cool: Bake for 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine). Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This is vital for the cheesecake layer to set properly!

Recipe Tips

• Gel vs. Liquid Color: Gel food coloring is highly recommended because it provides a much more intense red without adding too much extra liquid to the batter. If you only have liquid, you will need to use a full tablespoon to get that deep red hue.
• Room Temp Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened. If it’s cold, the cheesecake layer will be lumpy and won’t swirl smoothly into the brownie base.
• Vinegar and Cocoa: Don’t skip the white vinegar! It is a traditional red velvet ingredient that interacts with the cocoa powder to give the brownies their unique flavor profile.
• Clean Slices: For perfectly clean squares, wipe your knife with a damp paper towel between every single cut.

What To Serve With Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies?

This Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe is a rich, tangy dessert that needs a fresh or creamy pairing! A Cold Glass of Milk is the quintessential choice for a classic treat. For a more elegant presentation, a side of Macerated Raspberries adds a lovely tart pop that pairs perfectly with the cream cheese! A dollop of Whipped Cream or a hot Café Mocha pairs wonderfully with the chocolate and vanilla notes.

How To Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

• Room Temperature: You can keep these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: For a longer shelf life, store them in the fridge for up to 6 days. Many people actually prefer them cold, as the cheesecake layer becomes even denser and more fudge-like.
• Freezing: These brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 240 kcal (per brownie)
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg
• Sodium: 135 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Sugar: 19 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Nutrition information is estimated and based on a yield of 16 brownies.

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