Description
These Ultimate Fudgy Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, velvety red velvet brownie layers with a smooth and tangy cream cheese swirl for an indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The luscious fudgy texture paired with the perfect cheesecake swirl makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and lightly grease the paper.
- Make Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, 1 3/4 cups sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until combined. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Beat in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Add Color and Flour: Stir in red food coloring until the batter is uniformly red. Gently fold in the flour until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in the remaining egg and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until creamy.
- Dollop Cheesecake on Brownie Batter: Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the red velvet brownie batter in the pan.
- Create the Swirl Pattern: Using a butter knife or thin offset spatula, gently drag through the batters in an S-shape or figure-eight pattern to create pretty swirls. Avoid over-swirl to maintain defined layers.
- Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until edges look set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours. Using the parchment overhang, lift brownies from pan and cut into squares before serving.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red color without thinning the batter.
- Do not overmix the flour to keep the brownies fudgy and tender.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Adjust baking time slightly depending on your oven. The brownies are done when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly moist.
- Store leftover brownies in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Fudgy Brownies, Cream Cheese Swirl, Dessert, Baked Brownies
