If you love rich, fudgy brownies and creamy cheesecake, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the perfect dessert for you! With the vibrant color and subtle chocolate flavor of red velvet, combined with a luscious cheesecake swirl, these brownies are both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, holidays, or anytime you want to impress your guests, this easy recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds. Read on for the full recipe, expert tips for the perfect swirl, and creative serving suggestions.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are a decadent treat that combines two classics: fudgy red velvet brownies and a tangy cheesecake layer swirled together. The brownies have a mild cocoa flavor, a moist and chewy texture, and their signature red hue. The cheesecake swirl adds a creamy, tangy contrast that not only enhances the flavor but also creates a striking marbled design. These brownies are perfect for celebrations or whenever you’re in the mood for an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
For the Red Velvet Brownie Base:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid or gel)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Batter
1. In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs, vanilla extract, and red food coloring, mixing until combined.
3. Sift cocoa powder, flour, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
4. Stir in white vinegar for a tangy finish.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Swirl
1. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble
1. Pour the red velvet batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture onto the red velvet batter.
3. Use a toothpick or butter knife to swirl the two layers together, creating a marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the edges are set, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. For clean edges, chill them in the fridge for 30 minutes before slicing into squares.
Tips:
1. Start with Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free swirl.
2. Use Dollops for Swirling: Drop the cheesecake mixture in random spoonfuls for better control of the marbled pattern.
3. Don’t Over-Swirl: A few gentle figure-eight motions will create distinct and beautiful swirls. Over-mixing can muddy the colors and textures.
Variations
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Natural Coloring: Replace synthetic red food coloring with beet powder or natural dyes.
• Extra Chocolatey: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a richer flavor.
• Nutty Twist: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
Serving
1. Classic Plating: Serve brownie squares on a white plate with a dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder.
2. Decadent Garnish: Drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over each brownie.
3. Festive Touch: Add fresh berries or mint sprigs to enhance the vibrant red color.
4. A La Mode: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious dessert.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Make Ahead: These brownies taste even better the next day, so feel free to bake them a day in advance.
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are the perfect balance of fudgy, creamy, and indulgent. With their striking marbled design and rich flavor, they’re ideal for special occasions or whenever you’re in the mood for a show-stopping dessert. Easy to make and utterly irresistible, these brownies are sure to impress your family and friends. Bake a batch today and enjoy every decadent bite!
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Brownie Layer:
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Swirl:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare the Red Velvet Batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir until fully incorporated.
Reserve Batter for Swirling
- Scoop out ¼ cup of the red velvet batter and set aside for the swirl. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Make the Cheesecake Swirl
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the red velvet batter in the pan.
Create the Swirl Effect
- Drop small spoonfuls of the reserved red velvet batter on top of the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled pattern. Be careful not to over-swirl.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid over-baking to keep the brownies fudgy.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. For clean cuts, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve and enjoy!
