Red velvet cheesecake brownies are the perfect combination of rich red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake, and fudgy brownies. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and great for any occasion. With every bite, you’ll enjoy a blend of smooth, tangy cheesecake and the sweet, velvety texture of red velvet. It’s a delicious treat that everyone will love!
Why We Love This red velvet cheesecake brownies
Red velvet cheesecake brownies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite dessert:
- Irresistible Flavor Combo: The rich, slightly tangy flavor of the cheesecake pairs beautifully with the sweet, moist texture of the red velvet brownie. Each bite is an unforgettable mix of creamy and decadent.
- Easy to Make: Despite their stunning appearance, these brownies are surprisingly simple to whip up. With just a few ingredients and some time in the oven, you can create a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, attending a potluck, or just treating yourself, red velvet cheesecake brownies are a crowd-pleasing choice. They can easily be dressed up with a dusting of powdered sugar or paired with fresh berries for extra flair.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of dense, fudgy brownies and creamy, smooth cheesecake creates an unbeatable texture contrast. It’s a treat that melts in your mouth and keeps you coming back for more.
These brownies truly offer the best of both worlds—rich, velvety cake and creamy cheesecake. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients for red velvet cheesecake brownies
To make these red velvet cheesecake brownies, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious layered dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
Red Velvet Food Coloring – Gives the brownies their classic red color.
All-Purpose Flour – Helps make the brownies soft and fudgy.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Adds chocolate flavor to balance the cheesecake.
Baking Powder – Helps the brownies rise properly.
Salt – Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the brownies and keeps them moist.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and give the brownies structure.
Vanilla Extract – Adds flavor and balances the taste.
Cream Cheese – This makes the cheesecake layer smooth and creamy.
Granulated Sugar (for Cheesecake Layer) – This sweetens the cheesecake filling.
Egg (for Cheesecake Layer) – Helps set the cheesecake layer.
Instructions
Making red velvet cheesecake brownies is easier than it seems! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to enjoy.
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Red Velvet Brownie Base
Whisk melted butter and sugar together. Add eggs one by one, then stir in vanilla extract and red food coloring. Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in another bowl, and combine with the wet ingredients.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
Layer the Brownie and Cheesecake Mixture
Spread the brownie batter in the pan, add spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture on top, and swirl them together.
Bake the Brownies
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking.
Cool and Serve
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan, then slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips
To make your red velvet cheesecake brownies even better, here are some expert tips to ensure they turn out perfect every time:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for the cheesecake layer. This helps them blend smoothly without lumps, resulting in a creamy texture.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When making the brownie base, be sure to mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to denser brownies, and we want them nice and fudgy.
Swirl for a Beautiful Effect: If you want a stunning marbled look, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter and use a toothpick or knife to swirl them together. This creates a lovely visual effect and balances the flavors perfectly.
Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking the brownies at the 30-minute mark. The top should be set, but the center should still be slightly moist when you insert a toothpick. This ensures a soft and gooey texture.
Let Them Cool Completely: After baking, let the brownies cool completely before cutting into them. This helps the cheesecake layers set properly and makes them easier to slice.
Serve with Toppings: For an extra special touch, serve your red velvet cheesecake brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, also make a beautiful addition.
Make Ahead: These brownies can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. They even taste better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together!
Variations
Red velvet cheesecake brownies are a versatile treat that can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are some fun and easy variations to try:
Add Chocolate Chips: For extra decadence, mix in a handful of chocolate chips into the brownie batter. This adds a gooey, melty texture that complements the cream cheese layer beautifully.
Make It Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. This works perfectly in the red velvet brownie base, keeping the texture light and chewy.
Berries for Freshness: Fresh fruit can bring a burst of flavor and color to your brownies. Try adding fresh raspberries or strawberries on top after baking or gently folding them into the cheesecake layer for a fruity twist.
White Chocolate Variation: For a different take, use white chocolate instead of regular chocolate in the brownie batter. The mild sweetness of white chocolate pairs perfectly with the tangy cheesecake filling.
Serving Suggestions for red velvet cheesecake brownies
Red velvet cheesecake brownies are delicious on their own, but they can be elevated even further with a few thoughtful serving ideas. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy them:
Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream is the perfect complement to these rich, creamy brownies. You can even add a touch of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flavor.
Serve with Fresh Berries: The tartness of fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries balances the sweetness of the brownies. Scatter the berries on top or serve them on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Pair with Ice Cream: For the ultimate indulgence, serve your brownies with a scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or cream cheese ice cream. The cold ice cream and warm brownies create a delightful contrast of textures.
Add a Drizzle of Chocolate or Caramel Sauce: To take your brownies over the top, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce on top. The rich, gooey sauce adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the red velvet and cheesecake combination.
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FAQs about red velvet cheesecake brownies
How can I make my red velvet cheesecake brownies less sweet?
If you find the brownies too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the brownie base or cheesecake filling. Another option is to use a darker chocolate in the brownie mix, which will balance out the sweetness. Adding a pinch of salt can also help cut through the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
Can I make these brownies without the cheesecake layer?
Absolutely! If you prefer a simpler red velvet brownie, you can skip the cheesecake layer entirely. Just prepare the brownie batter, bake, and enjoy the rich, fudgy texture of a classic red velvet brownie.
How can I make the red velvet cheesecake brownies even richer?
To make the brownies even richer, try adding a bit of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the brownie batter. This will create a denser, more indulgent texture. You could also fold in some white chocolate chips for added creaminess and sweetness.
red velvet cheesecake brownies
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup 65g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons 15g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring liquid or gel
For the Creamy Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup 50g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies once baked.
Make the Red Velvet Brownie Base
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and smooth.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Layer the Brownie and Cheesecake Mixture
- Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie base. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the two mixtures together for a marbled effect.
Bake the Brownies
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake—slightly underbaked brownies are fudgy and delicious!
Cool and Serve
- Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice them into squares and enjoy!