Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies take the decadent fudgy brownie we love and elevates it to new heights. A layer of soft and creamy cheesecake swirled with ultra chocolatey red velvet brownie batter.
For our readers who love red velvet cake, you MUST try our delicious red velvet crinkle cookies. Or start your day with a batch of red velvet biscotti!
Why These Brownies Are The Best
These decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are surprising, impressive, and super tasty. If you love thick and fudgy brownies, you’ll have to try today’s recipe
- The brownies use melted butter, so there’s no waiting around for cold butter to soften.
- The brownie and cheesecake share a lot of the same ingredients. So, you won’t have to pick up a million different ingredients to create this over-the-top scrumptious recipe.
- The cheesecake layer is smooth and creamy. It compliments the fudge brownie base perfectly.
Our classic cheesecake brownies are equally wonderful. Or give our cheesecake stuffed cookies a try next!
Ingredient Notes
For the Brownies:
- Butter – This recipe calls for unsalted butter. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, you can use it and skip the additional salt in the recipe.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- Red Food Coloring – I prefer using gel food coloring, but you could use liquid food dye in a pinch.
- Kosher Salt – Kosher salt is great for baking because it’s less salty than iodized table salt.
- Eggs – Pull your eggs from the fridge and allow them to sit on the counter while you collect the rest of your ingredients. Room-temperature eggs incorporate into the batter easier than cold ones.
- All-Purpose Flour
- Vanilla Extract– Use our homemade vanilla extract for best flavor!
- Granulated Sugar
- Cream Cheese – Softened, room-temperature cream cheese is best. When you pull the eggs from the fridge, set out the cream cheese too.
Easy Instructions
- Start the Red Batter Base – The batter will be extremely thick at the start.
- Create a Smooth Brownie Batter – This is the stage where you can really go to town mixing the ingredients until you have a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate Flour & Divide Batter – Stir the flour into the batter, just until combined. Don’t over mix here. You’ll need to set aside about ¼ cup of red velvet brownie batter. Add remaining batter to baking dish.
- Blend Cheesecake Ingredients
- Assemble Layers & Create a Swirl – Pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet brownie batter, and smooth the top to create an even surface. Then, dollop about 9 scoops of the reserved brownie batter throughout the cheesecake layer. Use a toothpick to swirl the two together gently.
- Bake & Cool – Only the center of the cheesecake should appear soft and jiggly. The rest of the cheesecake should be set. Chill for at least 2 hours before slicing. I promise, they’re worth the wait!
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder for this recipe. There’s added sugar in the batter and the cheesecake base, so you don’t want to overdo the sweetness.
- Gel food coloring will give you more vibrancy with less dye than liquid food coloring. You can’t beat gel food coloring for the iconic deep, rich red hue of red velvet.
- Don’t skip the chilling step in the recipe! The cheesecake layer needs the cold to set fully.
- For super-clean cuts, dip your knife in a tall glass of warm water, and wipe off the excess water. Then, make your slice from edge to edge of the baking dish. Wipe off the knife and repeat. The heated knife will create crisp cuts without crumbs. You’ll have picture-perfect brownies every time.
Recipe FAQs
Is this a recipe I can prepare in advance?
These brownies are best when you whip up the batter right before you bake them. I don’t suggest storing the batter to bake at a later time.
How should I store the finished cheesecake brownies?
Store these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze-baked Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?
After the cheesecake brownies are baked, the freezer is fair game. When stored in an airtight container, they’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, allow them to come to room temperature before digging in!
More Brownie Recipes
- Caramel Brownies
- Brownie Ice Cream Cake
- Oreo Brownies
- M&M Brownies
- Dark Chocolate Brownies
- Buttermilk Brownies
Favorite Brownies
See all Brownies and Bars recipes
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies take the decadent fudgy brownie we love and elevates it to new heights. A layer of soft and creamy cheesecake swirled with ultra chocolatey red velvet brownie batter
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
For the Cheesecake
- 1 package cream cheese, softened to room temperature 8 ounce
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, start making the brownie layer. Combine melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder. Batter will be thick. Mix in gel food coloring (using a wooden spoon).
- Add in vanilla, salt, and eggs, mixing until smoother.
- Add in flour, mixing just until combined. Remove about 1/4 cup of the batter and set it aside. Pour the remaining batter into the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, starting the cheesecake layer, blend cream cheese, egg, flour, and sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until smooth.
- Pour over the brownie layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Use a small metal scoop (or teaspoon) and dollop about 9 scoops of the remaining batter over the top of the cream cheese layer.
- Use a toothpick to swirl the batter and cream cheese together gently.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, the cheesecake center may still appear soft.
- Cool to room temperature then chill for two hours before slicing.
Notes
- Gel food coloring achieves a more vibrant color with less amount than liquid food coloring.
- Store cheesecake brownies covered in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 1brownie, Calories: 144kcal, Carbohydrates: 19g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 40mg, Sugar: 14g
Did you make this recipe?Mention @shugarysweets or tag #shugarysweets!
