Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
red velvet cheesecake swirl brownies

Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 14 reviews
  • Author: Sally
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours
  • Yield: 16 brownies
  • Category: Brownies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Chewy, moist, decadent red velvet brownies swirled with cheesecake.


Ingredients

Red Velvet Brownies

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons red gel food coloring*
  • 3/4 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 3/4 cup (94g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)

Cheesecake Swirl

  • 8 ounces (226g) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
  2. Make the brownie layer first: In a small bowl, beat the 2 eggs together. Set aside. Melt the butter in a large microwave safe bowl in 30 second increments until melted. Stir in 1 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, cocoa powder, salt, food coloring, and vinegar. Mix each of those ingredients into the batter in that order. Whisk in the eggs, then fold in the flour until completely incorporated. Do not overmix. Pour the brownie batter into prepared baking pan, leaving about 3-4 Tablespoons for the top.
  3. Make the cheesecake swirl: With a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, egg yolk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in a medium bowl until completely smooth—about 1 minute. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the prepared brownie batter. Cover with the last few Tablespoons of brownie batter. Glide a knife through the layers as best you can (both layers are pretty thick), creating a swirl pattern.
  4. Bake the brownies for 28-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares. Cover brownies and store at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days.

Notes

  1. Freezing Instructions: Brownies will freeze well, up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Special Tools (affiliate links): 8-inch Square Pan | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Red Gel Food Coloring
  3. Double Batch: Simply double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for around 45 minutes—give or take. Same oven temperature.
  4. Red Food Coloring: I prefer using gel food coloring, but liquid food coloring will work, too. If using liquid red food coloring, increase to 1 Tablespoon.
  5. Adapted from Food Network, with a few changes.