Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Featured in: Movie Night Snacks

These decadent brownies combine the richness of red velvet with luxurious cream cheese swirls, creating a stunning dessert perfect for any celebration. With a fudgy texture and beautiful marbled appearance, they're surprisingly simple to make in just 55 minutes. The key is layering the red velvet base with smooth cheesecake filling, then creating elegant swirls before baking to perfection.

Updated on Fri, 30 Jan 2026 21:47:25 GMT
Close-up of Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies showing rich red swirls and creamy cheesecake layers cut into squares. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies showing rich red swirls and creamy cheesecake layers cut into squares. | snackandmack.com

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate fusion of two classic desserts. Featuring a fudgy, decadent red velvet base swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer, they are perfect for indulgent occasions or festive gatherings where you want to impress with both flavor and appearance.

Close-up of Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies showing rich red swirls and creamy cheesecake layers cut into squares. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies showing rich red swirls and creamy cheesecake layers cut into squares. | snackandmack.com

Whether you are celebrating a holiday or simply craving a rich treat, these brownies offer a sophisticated twist on the traditional chocolate brownie. The addition of the cheesecake swirl provides a velvety mouthfeel that complements the cocoa-infused red velvet batter beautifully.

Ingredients

Red Velvet Brownie Layer
  • 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
  • 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp red food coloring (liquid or gel)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 60 g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
  • 20 g (2 tbsp) unsweetened cocoa powder
Cheesecake Layer
  • 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 20x20 cm (8x8-inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2
Prepare the red velvet brownie layer: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring; mix until combined.
Step 3
Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Step 4
Reserve 1/4 cup of the red velvet batter for swirling. Spread the remaining batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 5
For the cheesecake layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla; beat until creamy and lump-free.
Step 6
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet batter in the pan and spread evenly.
Step 7
Dollop reserved red velvet batter by spoonfuls over the cheesecake. Use a knife or skewer to create swirls.
Step 8
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9
Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Um eine besonders cremige Käsekuchenschicht ohne Klümpchen zu erhalten, sollten Frischkäse und Eier unbedingt Zimmertemperatur haben. Das Auslegen der Backform mit Backpapier erleichtert das Herausheben der abgekühlten Brownies erheblich.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Für eine extra luxuriöse Note können Sie weiße Schokoladenchips unter den roten Brownie-Teig heben. Wer den Schokoladengeschmack intensivieren möchte, kann den Anteil des Kakaopulvers leicht erhöhen, wobei die rote Farbe dann etwas dunkler ausfällt.

Serviervorschläge

Lassen Sie die Brownies mindestens zwei Stunden im Kühlschrank fest werden, bevor Sie sie anschneiden. So erhalten Sie saubere Kanten und die optimale Textur. Ein Glas kalte Milch ist der ideale Begleiter zu diesem gehaltvollen Dessert.

A single Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie with a bite taken out, revealing fudgy texture and creamy swirls on a plate. Save to Pinterest
A single Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie with a bite taken out, revealing fudgy texture and creamy swirls on a plate. | snackandmack.com
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These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a show-stopping treat that tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator. Enjoy every rich, creamy bite of this festive dessert.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use natural food coloring instead of regular red food coloring?

Yes, you can use natural food coloring, though the red color may be less vibrant. Beet powder is a popular natural alternative, but you may need to adjust the quantity to achieve your desired shade.

Why do my brownies need to be refrigerated before cutting?

Refrigerating helps the cheesecake layer set completely, making the brownies easier to cut into clean squares. The cold temperature also enhances the fudgy texture and allows the layers to firm up properly.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

What can I do if my cheesecake layer has lumps?

Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. Beat it thoroughly until smooth before adding other ingredients. If lumps persist, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The center should be just set and slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking will result in dry brownies, so watch carefully during the last few minutes.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best texture.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Fudgy brownies with rich red velvet and creamy cheesecake swirls—perfect for indulgent occasions.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
35 min
Overall Time
55 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Movie Night Snacks

Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type American

Output 16 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Red Velvet Brownie Layer

01 4 oz unsalted butter, melted
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 2 large eggs, room temperature
04 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 1 tablespoon red food coloring
06 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
08 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Cheesecake Layer

01 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 1 large egg
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 01

Prepare baking pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to overhang sides for easy removal.

Step 02

Mix red velvet brownie base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring; mix until fully combined.

Step 03

Combine dry ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 04

Layer brownie batter: Reserve 1/4 cup of red velvet batter for swirling. Spread remaining batter evenly across the prepared pan.

Step 05

Prepare cheesecake topping: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract; beat until creamy and lump-free.

Step 06

Add cheesecake layer: Pour cheesecake mixture over red velvet batter and spread evenly to edges.

Step 07

Create swirled pattern: Dollop reserved red velvet batter by spoonfuls across the cheesecake surface. Use a knife or skewer to create swirled patterns throughout.

Step 08

Bake brownies: Bake for 35 minutes until the center is just set. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 09

Cool and chill: Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • 8x8-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Spatula
  • Knife or skewer
  • Wire rack

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy: butter and cream cheese
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains wheat gluten

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 190
  • Fat Content: 11 g
  • Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Proteins: 3 g