Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies – Decadent & Tangy Dessert

These brownies combine rich, fudgy red velvet chocolate with a creamy cheesecake swirl for an elegant, indulgent treat that looks as good as it tastes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deep, chocolatey red velvet flavor
• Creamy cheesecake layer contrasts beautifully with the brownie
• Marbled swirl gives a stunning visual effect
• Great for parties, holidays, or as a luxurious dessert

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~20–25 minutes
• Bake Time: ~35–45 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour (including chilling)
• Yield: ~16–24 brownies (depending on pan size)
• Method: Baking
• Diet: Vegetarian (contains dairy and eggs)

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Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer

• Unsalted butter, melted
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Red food coloring (gel or liquid)
• (Optional) Vinegar for tang

For the Cheesecake Swirl

• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• (Optional) Vanilla extract
• (Optional) Cocoa powder + red food coloring for a colored swirl

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan
   • Preheat your oven to around 175 °C (350°F).
   • Line a square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
   • In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth.
   • Add the eggs and vanilla, mixing until well combined.
   • Stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt until just combined.
   • Mix in red food coloring (and optional vinegar) until the batter has a vibrant red hue.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
   • In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
   • Add the egg (and optional vanilla) and mix until fully incorporated.
   • (If making a two-tone swirl, mix a small portion of this mixture with cocoa powder + red coloring.)
4. Layer & Swirl
   • Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan.
   • Dollop the plain (and colored, if using) cheesecake mixture on top in spoonfuls.
   • Add the remaining brownie batter, then use a knife or skewer to swirl the layers gently, creating a marbled effect.
5. Bake
   • Bake for about 35–45 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
   • Be careful not to overbake — you want a little jiggle in the center for fudginess.
6. Cool & Chill
   • Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20–30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge for 2–4 hours (or overnight) to firm up and develop flavor.
7. Serve
   • Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan.
   • Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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You Must Know

• Make sure the cream cheese is very soft so your cheesecake swirl is smooth and easy to work with.
• Swirl gently — over-mixing can blend the layers too much and lose the marbled effect.
• Chilling is important: it helps the cheesecake layer set and makes the brownies cleaner to cut.

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Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze — thaw in the fridge before serving.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Use a flavored cream cheese (like vanilla bean) for extra depth.
• Swap regular cocoa powder for dark or Dutch-processed for richer color and flavor.
• Use gluten-free flour to make these brownies gluten-free.
• Replace some of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel note.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate.
• Pair with berries (raspberries or strawberries) for a fresh contrast.
• A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream makes a perfect accompaniment.

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Pro Tips

• Use a stand mixer or a hand mixer to beat the cheesecake mixture until very smooth.
• Use gel food coloring if you want a vibrant red without changing the batter consistency too much.
• Clean your swirl tool (knife or skewer) between swirls to keep the pattern distinct.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I omit the food coloring?
Yes — the brownies will be more like chocolate cheesecake brownies rather than red velvet, but still delicious.

→ Can I make mini brownie bites instead?
Absolutely — use a mini muffin tin, reduce bake time slightly, and swirl as usual.

→ Is there a non-egg version?
You could try a vegan or egg-free cheesecake swirl (using vegan cream cheese and egg replacer), but texture may differ.

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Final Thoughts

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a rich, elegant dessert that feels both homey and special. The balance of fudgy brownie with creamy cheesecake swirl makes them a real crowd-pleaser — perfect for celebrations or anytime you want something indulgent but refined.

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