Description
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate dessert bar, blending rich cocoa flavor with a tangy cream cheese swirl. Their marbled appearance makes them a visual standout for holiday baking, while the fudgy texture and creamy top deliver next-level indulgence. Perfect for parties, gifting, or just a cozy night in. Whether you’re hunting for a quick dessert idea, a crowd-pleaser for bake sales, or new holiday baking inspiration, this easy recipe has you covered.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon red food coloring
1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)
1 large egg (for cheesecake layer)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake layer)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Melt the butter, then stir in sugar, vanilla, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar. Add eggs one at a time and mix well.
3. Fold in flour gently until just combined. Reserve 1/4 cup of batter for swirling.
4. Pour the remaining batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter and spread evenly.
7. Drop spoonfuls of reserved red velvet batter on top and swirl gently with a knife.
8. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until the center is set and the edges begin to pull away from the pan.
9. Let cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps and get a silky swirl.
Don’t overmix once the flour goes in—this keeps the brownie base tender.
For clean slices, refrigerate before cutting and wipe the knife between cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 28-32 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake brownies, holiday desserts, easy dessert recipe, bake sale ideas, homemade brownies, quick dessert, dessert bars