Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic chocolate brownies with a luscious cream cheese swirl, creating a decadent marbled dessert perfect for any occasion. Infused with vivid red food coloring and a hint of vanilla, these brownies offer a visually stunning treat that balances the deep bittersweet chocolate flavor with creamy cheesecake richness.
- Author: Yana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 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 (adjust 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 pan and preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easier cleanup and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a very large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Microwave on high power for 90 seconds. Stir until smooth; if necessary, continue heating in 15-second intervals until fully melted and blended.
- Add sugar: Whisk the melted butter and chocolate mixture with granulated sugar until combined, creating a thick and granular texture.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the 4 large eggs to the mixture and whisk thoroughly to combine.
- Add color and flavor: Gently whisk in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Add more food coloring if needed to achieve the desired deep red shade of the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: Stir in the sifted cocoa powder until incorporated, then add the flour and kosher salt. Mix gently until just combined.
- Transfer brownie batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter into the lined and greased baking pan and set aside.
- Make cream cheese swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar on high speed with a handheld mixer for about 5 minutes until the mixture is very smooth and has significantly increased in volume.
- Incorporate cream cheese dry ingredients: Add the flour and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until fully incorporated.
- Form the swirl: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
- Swirl the batter: Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese dollops through the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Begin checking doneness at 30 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red—start with less and add gradually.
- Using heavy-duty foil to line the pan makes for much easier removal and cleanup.
- The cream cheese mixture may seem like a lot but is perfect to create the ideal swirl and texture balance in the brownies.
- Rotate the pan halfway during baking to promote even cooking and browning.
- Baking times may vary based on oven and pan; do not overbake to keep the brownies fudgy.
Keywords: red velvet, cheesecake brownies, chocolate brownies, cream cheese swirl, dessert, baking