Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Red velvet cheesecake brownies are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, no matter the occasion.

If you’ve ever wanted the richness of a cheesecake combined with the softness of a brownie, then these are the bars you’ve been waiting for.

The best part? They’re super easy to make and can be a fun baking project, even for beginners. The bright red color adds a festive touch, making them ideal for Valentine’s Day or just to enjoy with friends and family.

These bars are indulgent, but not overwhelmingly sweet, striking the perfect balance for those who love a dessert with a little bit of everything. And with a subtle hint of cheesecake, it’s a flavor combo that’s hard to resist!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Ingredients

For The Red Velvet Layer

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cups white sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil or butter
4 tablespoons milk of your choice (such as almond milk or soy milk)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon red food coloring
2 teaspoons white vinegar

For The Cheesecake Layer

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 13″x18″ jelly roll pan (or any pan with high sides) with parchment paper or cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

In a separate medium-sized bowl, mix together the eggs, vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of your chosen milk, vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir well until the batter is smooth. It should have a thick consistency, almost like play-doh. Set aside 3/4 cup of the batter in a small bowl for later.
Spread the remaining batter evenly in the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring it reaches all corners.

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until fully combined with no lumps.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet brownie base and smooth the top with a spatula.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk to the reserved batter. Stir until smooth, then drop spoonfuls of the red velvet batter onto the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to swirl the batter into the cheesecake layer, creating a marbled effect.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes (15 minutes, rotate, then another 15). The brownies are ready when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken.
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Tips For Making The Best Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Making these brownies is easier than you might think, but here are a few tips to help you perfect them:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is blended. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly and evenly.
Add Less Food Coloring for a Subtle Look: If you don’t want the brownies to be too bright, start with a small amount of food coloring. You can always add more to get your desired color.

Check for Doneness: To make sure your brownies are done, gently shake the pan. If the center is firm and no longer wobbles, it’s time to take them out of the oven.
Let Them Cool Completely: For cleaner cuts and to let the flavors settle, let the brownies cool completely before slicing.

What To Serve With Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?

Pairing the right sides with your brownies can make your dessert experience even more enjoyable. Here are a few dishes that go well with them:

Fresh fruit
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A warm cup of coffee or tea
Whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup
A side of caramel sauce for dipping

How To Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?

Storing your brownies properly will keep them fresh and delicious for longer. Here’s how to store them:

At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat them within a couple of days, simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
In the Refrigerator: To keep them fresh for up to a week, place the brownies in the fridge in an airtight container. The cheesecake layer will stay nice and firm.

For Longer Storage: If you want to keep your brownies for a longer time, you can freeze them. Wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for a few hours or reheat in the microwave for a few seconds.