Description
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, moist texture of classic red velvet brownies with a luscious, creamy cheesecake swirl. With a deep red color and a marbled cream cheese topping, these brownies offer a delightful contrast of flavors and a beautiful presentation, perfect for dessert lovers seeking a decadent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, diced into large cubes
- 4 ounces 72% bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ounce red food coloring (or as needed for desired shade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted if lumpy)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 2 large egg whites
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, very well softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Pan and Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil if desired for easier cleanup, and spray it with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, stirring to smooth. If not fully melted, heat in additional 15-second intervals until smooth.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture is thick and granular. Add the eggs and whisk until fully combined.
- Add Coloring and Flavor: Gently whisk in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Add more food coloring as needed to reach the desired vibrant red color.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the sifted cocoa powder, then add the flour and kosher salt. Mix until just combined to form the brownie batter.
- Pour Brownie Batter: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Set aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Swirl: Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, egg whites, granulated sugar on high for about 5 minutes until smooth and significantly fluffy.
- Add Flour and Vanilla: Beat in the flour and vanilla extract until incorporated into the cream cheese mixture.
- Apply Cream Cheese Mixture: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. There will be a generous amount which is perfect for swirling.
- Create Swirl Effect: Gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter using a knife to produce a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes (42 minutes recommended) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 30 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Notes
- The amount of red food coloring can be adjusted for your preferred shade of red.
- Using heavy-duty aluminum foil makes cleanup easier but is optional.
- Because ovens and ingredient variances occur, bake brownies until done in your oven regardless of timing suggestions.
- Swirling the cream cheese gently maintains the visually appealing marbled effect without blending the two batters completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, chocolate dessert, red velvet dessert, cream cheese brownies
