Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl and the vibrant color of red velvet. Perfect for dessert lovers seeking a decadent and visually stunning treat that’s easy to make in one pan.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Brownie Batter
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, diced into large cubes
- 4 ounces 72% bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ounce red food coloring (or as needed for desired shade)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted if lumpy
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Cream Cheese Swirl
- 2 large egg whites
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, very well softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil if desired for easy cleanup, then spray with cooking spray. Set this aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a very large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed butter and chopped chocolate. Microwave on high for 90 seconds until butter is melted and chocolate can be stirred smooth. If necessary, heat further in 15-second intervals until fully melted.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar to the melted butter and chocolate mixture. The mixture will appear thick and granular at this point.
- Incorporate Eggs: Whisk in the eggs thoroughly to combine with the chocolate mixture.
- Add Color and Flavor: Gently whisk in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Add more red food coloring as needed until you reach the desired red velvet shade.
- Mix Cocoa Powder: Stir in the sifted cocoa powder until fully integrated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the flour and kosher salt until combined, creating your brownie batter.
- Transfer Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: Using a handheld electric mixer, beat together the egg whites, softened cream cheese, and sugar on high speed for about 5 minutes until mixture is completely smooth and has increased significantly in volume.
- Add Flour and Vanilla: Beat in the flour and vanilla extract until just incorporated.
- Layer Cream Cheese: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Though it looks like a lot, it will be the perfect amount once swirled and baked.
- Create Marble Effect: Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter to create a marbled pattern.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking at 30 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking. If your oven needs more time, continue baking until done regardless of time.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red food coloring to get your preferred intensity of color.
- Using heavy-duty aluminum foil makes cleanup much easier but is optional.
- Rotating the pan mid-bake ensures even browning and cooking.
- Ensure the cream cheese is very well softened for smooth mixing in the swirl.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Red Velvet Cheesecake, Chocolate Dessert, Swirled Brownies, Easy Brownie Recipe