Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

It’s hard enough to decide what to make for dinner, so when it comes time to choose what to make for dessert, keep it simple and look no further than red velvet cheesecake brownies. They’re decadent and fudgy like your favorite chewy brownies, tangy and moist like our best red velvet cake recipe, and rich and creamy like an old-fashioned New York-style cheesecake recipe. Make a pan of this all-in-one hybrid dessert, and everyone at your table will be pleased.

The recipe begins with a classic brownie batter that is dyed red with gel food coloring and infused with buttermilk to give the brownies a bit of that iconic red velvet cake flavor. Then, a simple cheesecake batter is dolloped on top of the red batter and swirled to perfection. Not only are these red velvet and cheesecake brownies downright delicious—they’d make a stunning presentation on any dessert table.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Ingredients

• Butter: While many boxed brownie mixes call for oil, these homemade cheesecake brownies with red velvet use butter instead, which gives them a richer flavor.
• Sugar: Sugar isn’t just a sweetener. In brownies, sugar keeps the brownies moist and improves their tenderness. Additionally, when the sugar is creamed with the butter, air is worked into the batter to help give the brownies a bit of height.
• Eggs: Eggs greatly influence the texture of brownies, giving the brownies structure and stability. Brownie recipes with fewer eggs tend to be fudgier and recipes with more eggs tend to be cakier.
• Buttermilk: Since these are red velvet and cheesecake brownies, buttermilk is essential to replicate a red velvet cake’s subtle tang.
• Red gel food coloring: A bit of red food dye is the trick to achieve a deep, ruby red appearance. If possible, use the gel type of food coloring rather than the liquid for a much richer, pigmented brownie.
• Vanilla: Even chocolate brownies benefit from a splash of vanilla extract. It adds depth and enhances the other flavors in the brownies.
• Flour: When making brownies, make sure you measure flour the right way. Too much flour will quickly turn your brownie batter into cake batter.
• Cocoa: Good red velvet cheesecake brownies start with good baking cocoa. If you don’t already have a container at home, pick up one of the best cocoa powder brands as chosen by our Test Kitchen.
• Salt: A pinch of salt balances and enhances the decadent, sweet and tangy flavors in these rich red velvet and cheesecake brownies.
• Cheesecake swirl: A simple yet luscious cheesecake swirl is made by beating a softened block of your favorite cream cheese brand with sugar, an additional egg and a smidge of vanilla extract.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the brownie batter

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment.

In a large bowl, beat the melted butter and sugar together at medium speed until smooth, two to three minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, and continue to beat until thoroughly incorporated, another two to three minutes. Beat in the buttermilk, food coloring and vanilla extract. Then, sift in the flour, baking cocoa and salt, and stir until just combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish.

Editor’s Tip: Don’t overmix your brownies. Doing so will overwork the batter and cause the brownies to have a lighter, cake-like consistency vs. a dense, rich, fudgy one.

Step 2: Make the cheesecake swirl

In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, three to four minutes. Then, beat in the sugar, egg and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, another two to three minutes.

Step 3: Dollop and swirl the cheesecake mixture

Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture onto the surface of the brownie batter. Then, use a knife to swirl the cream cheese layer through the brownie batter.

Step 4: Bake the brownies

Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely, then refrigerate overnight. To serve, cut into squares and enjoy.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Variations

• Other colors: Not into red? How about blue for blue velvet? Really, you can replace the red gel food coloring with any color you prefer. Alternatively, add a few drops of green gel food coloring to the cheesecake filling and swirl the green filling with the reddish brownie batter for a festive Christmas brownie.
• Mix-ins and toppings: While these red velvet cheesecake brownies are stellar as-is, you could swirl in a few handfuls of chopped nuts or dark chocolate if desired. You could also top the red velvet brownies with cream cheese icing for a decadent finish.

How to Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Due to the cream cheese in these brownies, they should be stored in a covered airtight container and refrigerated. If you prefer warm red velvet cheesecake brownies, microwave individual brownies for 10 to 15 seconds.

How long do red velvet cheesecake brownies last?

If stored properly, cheesecake brownies with red velvet will stay fresh for five to seven days.

Can you freeze red velvet cheesecake brownies?

Yes! Like many other cake, brownie and cheesecake recipes, these red velvet cheesecake brownies freeze like a dream. One of our best tips for freezing brownies is to wrap them in a double layer of storage wrap and a layer of foil. Then, store them for up to three months. Defrost them completely in the refrigerator before serving.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Tips

Why are my red velvet cheesecake brownies dry?

A few common brownie mistakes can cause dry brownies: First, it’s possible that you added too much flour, so next time just be extra careful when measuring your flour. It’s also possible that the brownies were overbaked.

What can you serve with red velvet cheesecake brownies?

Red velvet cheesecake brownies make a terrific addition to any dessert table spread. Pair with a few other red velvet recipes or dessert recipes with cheesecake, like these chocolate chip cheesecake bars. Looking for something to drink? A cold glass of milk is always our favorite, but a cup of brewed coffee or one of these fancy homemade coffee shop drinks would also be a fine treat.