Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy dark chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cream cheese swirl, creating a decadent and visually stunning dessert perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Brownies
- 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 (or 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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan. 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 it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking; then set aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate. In a very large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Heat on high power for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. Continue heating in 15-second increments if needed until fully melted and combined.
- Add Sugar. Whisk the granulated sugar into the warm chocolate mixture until combined. The mixture will appear thick and granular.
- Incorporate Eggs. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to fully integrate them into the mixture.
- Add Color and Vanilla. Stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract gently at first, adding more food coloring if needed to reach your desired vibrant red shade.
- Mix Cocoa and Dry Ingredients. Add the sifted cocoa powder, then stir to combine. Next, add the flour and kosher salt and stir until just incorporated into the batter.
- Pour Brownie Batter. Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread evenly.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites, softened cream cheese, and sugar on high speed with a handheld electric mixer for about five minutes until the mixture is very smooth and significantly fluffy.
- Add Swirl Dry Ingredients. Add the flour and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat just until combined.
- Add Cream Cheese to Brownies. Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, covering the surface.
- Create Swirl Effect. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter to create a marbled pattern, taking care not to over-mix.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Start checking at 30 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
- Cool and Serve. Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing the foil and cutting into squares. This helps the cheesecake swirl to set perfectly.
Notes
- Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate with around 72% cacao for the best rich chocolate flavor.
- You can adjust the amount of red food coloring according to your preferred shade of red velvet; start with the recommended one ounce and add more gradually if needed.
- Line the pan with foil for easy cleanup and to help lift the brownies out of the pan after baking.
- Swirling the cream cheese just enough will give a beautiful marbled look without blending the layers completely.
- Baking times can vary, so check doneness early and extend time as needed without relying solely on the timer.
Keywords: Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, chocolate brownies, cream cheese swirl, red velvet dessert, holiday brownies