Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

$- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 tablespoon red food coloring - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract To make red velvet cheesecake brownies, you need simple yet rich ingredients. First, the butter and sugar form a sweet base. The eggs add moisture and help the brownies rise. Vanilla extract gives flavor and warmth. The all-purpose flour and cocoa powder create the brownie texture. The red food coloring adds that classic red hue. Baking powder helps the brownies to be light. For the cream cheese layer, you need softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and another egg. This mix makes it rich and creamy. You’ll also add vanilla for extra flavor in the cheesecake layer. With these ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks stunning and tastes amazing. Each layer brings its unique flavor and texture, making these brownies truly special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This helps the brownies come out easily. 2. Mix melted butter with sugar and add eggs In a large mixing bowl, pour in the melted butter. Add 2 cups of granulated sugar. Whisk these together until well combined. Next, crack in 4 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract for flavor. 3. Incorporate dry ingredients and red food coloring In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is just combined. Then, add 1 tablespoon of red food coloring. Mix until the batter turns a bright red. 1. Prepare the cream cheese mixture In another bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy. This layer adds a delicious tangy contrast to the sweet brownies. 2. Dollop and swirl the cream cheese layer with red velvet batter Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Next, dollop the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet layer. Then, add the rest of the red velvet batter on top, using a spoon to create dollops. Gently swirl the two mixtures with a knife for a marbled look. 1. Bake the brownies and check for doneness Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if they're done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. 2. Allow cooling before slicing Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. This makes slicing easier and helps the flavors set. Once cooled, cut them into squares and enjoy! How to avoid dry brownies To keep your brownies moist, do not overbake them. Check them at 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean. Another tip is to use melted butter. It adds richness and moisture to your batter. If you want extra softness, add a bit of extra cream cheese to the mix. Ensuring the ideal marbled effect To get a great marbled look, carefully dollop the cream cheese layer. Use a knife to make gentle swirls. Don’t mix too much; you want to see both colors. This will give you a pretty and tasty pattern. Serving suggestions with garnishes Serve these brownies on a nice plate. Dust them with powdered sugar. Top with fresh raspberries or whipped cream for a fancy touch. You can also add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra flair. Best ways to display the brownies for parties For parties, cut the brownies into small squares. Arrange them on a large platter. You can use colorful napkins or plates to make the display pop. Add some flowers or fruits around the brownies for a beautiful look. This makes them even more inviting! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother batter. Be Careful with Food Coloring: Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant red without altering the batter's consistency. Swirling Technique: Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the cream cheese layer with the brownie batter for a beautiful marbled effect, but don't overdo it! Check for Doneness: Start checking the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time; they should be set but still moist in the center. {{image_2}} You can switch some ingredients for a unique twist. For sweeteners, try using honey or maple syrup. These options add a different flavor. If you need a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese. You can also replace butter with coconut oil. For gluten-free brownies, use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. These substitutions help everyone enjoy this treat. Want to add some fun to your brownies? Try tossing in chocolate chips or chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also mix in some white chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. If you like frosting, cream cheese or chocolate frosting works great. For a fresh touch, consider topping with berries or a drizzle of caramel. These additions make your brownies even more delicious! To keep your red velvet cheesecake brownies fresh, use an airtight container. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. For freezing, wrap each brownie in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them tasty for about three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight. To reheat your brownies, the microwave works best. Heat them in 10-second bursts to avoid drying them out. Alternatively, you can use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place brownies on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This brings back their soft, gooey texture. Enjoy your treat warm for the best flavor! To cut brownies neatly, use a sharp knife. First, let them cool for at least 20 minutes. For cleaner cuts, wipe the knife with a damp cloth after each slice. This keeps the edges smooth and pretty. Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. Bake them, then let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they are done. If it comes out wet with batter, bake them for a few more minutes. These brownies pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a nice touch too. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Yes, you can use a different size, but it may change baking time. If using a smaller pan, the brownies may take longer to bake. For a larger pan, check them earlier to avoid overbaking. Store leftover brownies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for three days. You can also refrigerate them for longer freshness. Just bring them back to room temperature before serving. Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add great texture. Mix in about half a cup when you add the dry ingredients for a nutty twist. Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure it is a 1:1 baking mix for the best results. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious treats. This blog post covered how to make delicious red velvet cheesecake brownies. You learned about the key ingredients, the step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your bake. We also discussed tasty variations and proper storage techniques to keep your brownies fresh. These brownies are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe and impress your friends with your baking skills. Enjoy your tasty treats!$

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Deliciously rich red velvet brownies swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 55

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2.5 cups all-purpose flour
0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1 teaspoon baking powder
0.5 teaspoon salt
8 oz cream cheese, softened
0.5 cup powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan and set it aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until well mixed.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture until combined.
Stir in the red food coloring until the batter is a vibrant red color. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1 egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Carefully dollop the cream cheese mixture over the red velvet layer in the pan.
Spoon the remaining red velvet batter on top of the cream cheese layer in dollops, then use a knife to gently swirl the batter and cream cheese together for a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing them into squares.

Notes

Serve the brownies on a plate dusted with powdered sugar and top with fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.

Keyword brownies, cheesecake, red velvet