Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies – Rich & Creamy Delight

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent and visually stunning dessert that combines the best of two worlds—rich, chocolatey red velvet brownies and smooth, creamy cheesecake. These brownies are perfect for special occasions like Valentine's Day, birthdays, or just when you want to treat yourself to something indulgent. The red velvet brownie base is soft and rich, while the cheesecake swirl adds a creamy, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.

INGREDIENTS

• Unsalted butter: 1 cup, melted, to add richness to the brownie base.
• Granulated sugar: 2 cups (for brownie) + ¼ cup (for cheesecake), to sweeten both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
• Eggs: 4 large (for brownie) + 1 large (for cheesecake), to add structure and moisture to both layers.
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (for brownie) + 1 teaspoon (for cheesecake), to enhance the flavor of both layers.
• Red food coloring: 1 teaspoon, to give the brownies their signature red velvet color.
• All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups, for the structure of the brownies.
• Cocoa powder: 1 teaspoon, to add a hint of chocolate flavor to the red velvet brownies.
• Baking powder: ½ teaspoon, to help the brownies rise slightly.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon, to balance the sweetness of the brownies.
• Cream cheese: 8 oz, softened, for the creamy cheesecake layer.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2:

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.

Step 4:

Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.

Step 5:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and well combined.

Step 6:

Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cheesecake into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 7:

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8:

Once cooled, cut the brownies into squares and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for clean, sharp edges.
• Store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Helpful Notes

• To enhance the chocolate flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder to the brownie batter.
• For a more vibrant red color, adjust the amount of red food coloring to your preference.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Chef Lauren recommends adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the depth of the chocolate flavor.

A Perfect Combination of Flavors

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect dessert for those who love both red velvet and cheesecake. The rich, chocolatey brownie base pairs perfectly with the smooth and tangy cheesecake swirl, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or just for a sweet treat, they’re sure to impress!

Great for Celebrations

These brownies are perfect for any celebration, from Valentine's Day to birthdays or even holiday parties. Their striking red color and beautiful marbled effect make them a standout dessert. Plus, the combination of rich red velvet and creamy cheesecake makes them a favorite with everyone!

FAQs

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Can I use a different type of cream cheese?

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese, but you can also use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.

How do I get clean, sharp edges when cutting the brownies?

Make sure the brownies are fully cooled before cutting, and use a sharp knife. Wiping the knife between cuts also helps achieve clean edges.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these brownies a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, and they’ll taste even better the next day!

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Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent dessert that perfectly combines the rich flavor of red velvet brownies with the creamy, smooth texture of cheesecake. The striking marbled appearance and the contrast between the red velvet and cheesecake layers make these brownies both beautiful and delicious. Perfect for any special occasion, these brownies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a sweet treat!