Red velvet cheesecake brownies are the ultimate comfort-food favorite with a healthy twist, offering a “stunning” marbled look and a “vibrant” cocoa flavor. If you have been searching for an “authentic” dessert that combines the fudgy decadence of a brownie with the “lovely” tang of cheesecake, you have found the proven recipe you need.
Having tested this recipe over nine times, Sophie has perfected the “expert” swirling technique to ensure your bars look as remarkable as they taste. This isn’t just a basic brownie; it is a triumph of American-style baking that uses a “unique” hint of vinegar to brighten the red hue. Whether you are serving family gatherings or looking for a quality treat for a special occasion, this successful method provides a superior result that is both simple and stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownie Recipe
There is a reason this “popular” treat is a treasure for home cooks who love a quality bake.
- Best of Both Worlds: Combines a fudgy red velvet base with a silky cheesecake swirl.
- Stunning Visuals: The “vibrant” red and white contrast makes these an outstanding choice for parties.
- Easy Marbling: A practical and simple “figure-8” technique creates a professional look every time.
- Perfect Texture: The brownies stay moist and rich, while the cheesecake provides a “fresh” creamy finish.
- American Classic: A successful take on a beloved flavor profile that American cuisine lovers adore.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
To achieve a successful batch, using “block-style” cream cheese and measuring your flour correctly is important.
The Red Velvet Brownie Base
- Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (113g), melted.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g).
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: ¼ cup (20g).
- Red Food Coloring: 1 tbsp for a stunningly bold color.
- Vinegar & Vanilla: ½ tsp distilled white vinegar and 1 tsp vanilla.
- Eggs: 2 large eggs.
- All-Purpose Flour: ¾ cup (90g). Pro Tip: Stir, spoon, and level for a quality measurement.
- Salt: ¼ tsp.
The Creamy Cheesecake Layer
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (226g) block-style, room temperature.
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g).
- Vanilla Extract: ½ tsp.
- Egg: 1 large, room temperature.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to ensure your brownies are a successful hit at your next family gathering.
Step 1 – Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. This is a helpful way to lift the brownies out for clean cutting. Grease any exposed sides with cooking spray.
Step 2 – Mix the Red Velvet Batter
In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, cocoa, salt, red coloring, vanilla, and vinegar. Stir in the eggs one at a time. Add the flour and fold until just combined. Reserve ½ cup of this batter for the top.
Step 3 – Whip the Cheesecake
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth using an electric mixer. Add the egg and blend until “beautifully” creamy.
Step 4 – Assemble and Swirl
Pour the main red velvet batter into the pan. Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the top. Dollop the reserved ½ cup of brownie batter over the white layer. The Swirl Trick: Use a toothpick or knife to make “figure-8” motions. Expert Note: Less is more—don’t over-mix if you want a stunning marble!
Step 5 – Bake and Cool
Bake for 30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This is important for the cheesecake to set into a remarkable texture.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temp Ingredients: For the cheesecake layer, ensure the egg and cream cheese are at room temperature to avoid a “surprising” lumpy texture.
- Don’t Over-Swirl: To keep the colors vibrant, stop swirling before the red and white blend into pink.
- Measure Flour Properly: Using too much flour will make the brownies cakey instead of fudgy. A kitchen scale is helpful for the most quality results.
- Vinegar Secret: The tiny bit of vinegar is important—it reacts with the cocoa to create that authentic red velvet tang.
- The “Cold” Cut: For the most beautiful clean squares, refrigerate the brownies for an hour before slicing.
Flavor Variations
- White Chocolate Stuffed: Drop in a few white chocolate chunks for an “innovative” twist, inspired by our White Chocolate Stuffed Cookies.
- Nutella Swirl: Add a teaspoon of hazelnut spread to your swirl for a vibrant flavor like our Peanut Butter Nutella Cookie Recipe.
- Cookie Crust: Press a layer of crushed Oreos into the bottom before adding the batter, similar to our Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies.
- Berry Garnish: Top with fresh raspberries for a “fresh” and “healthy twist” to the rich cocoa.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Because of the cream cheese, store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.1
- Freezing: You can freeze these for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly to keep them fresh and “tasty.”
- Serving: These are wonderful served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts (Per Brownie)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbs | 24 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
FAQ About Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Why is my cheesecake layer lumpy?
This usually happens if the cream cheese was too cold when you started mixing. Always use “softened” block-style cheese for a successful and smooth layer.
Can I use liquid food coloring?
Yes, but gel coloring is more vibrant and won’t thin out the batter. 1 tablespoon of liquid coloring is the ultimate amount for that deep red look.
How do I know when they are done?
The edges should be set, and a toothpick should have moist crumbs (not wet batter). The cheesecake should look opaque and slightly firm for a quality finish.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can double everything and use a 9×13-inch pan. Increase the bake time by about 5–10 minutes for a successful bake.
Do I have to use vinegar?
Vinegar is a staple of authentic red velvet. It provides the signature tang and helps the red color stay vibrant during baking.
Baking these Ultimate Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies is an uplifting way to create a vibrant and “stunning” dessert for any gathering. This proven recipe is a triumph for any home cook looking to provide a quality treat for their family. If you enjoyed these fudgy and “fresh” cheesecake bars, be sure to explore our Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies for your next successful baking day!
