Description
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, deep flavors of bittersweet chocolate and red velvet cake with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl. Moist, dense brownies are enhanced with a vibrant red color and a beautifully marbled cheesecake topping, making them a decadent treat perfect for dessert lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil if you like easier cleanup, and lightly spray it 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 for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. If not fully melted, heat in 15-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Add Sugar to Chocolate Mixture: Add the granulated sugar to the melted chocolate and butter mixture and whisk until combined. The mixture will seem thick and granular.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the 4 large eggs to the bowl and whisk until fully combined.
- Add Red Coloring and Vanilla: Stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract gently at first to avoid splashing, then whisk to incorporate. Add more red food coloring if you desire a deeper red color.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Stir in the sifted unsweetened cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
- Add Flour and Salt: Add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, then gently fold or stir until everything is combined and there are no flour streaks.
- Pour Brownie Batter: Pour the prepared brownie batter into your lined and greased baking pan, smoothing the top evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare Cheesecake Swirl: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, egg whites, granulated sugar, and beat with a handheld mixer on high for about 5 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and has fluffed up significantly.
- Add Flour and Vanilla to Swirl: Add the flour and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well incorporated.
- Apply Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter. There is a lot of cream cheese mixture but it’s the perfect amount for swirling.
- Create Marbled Effect: Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter, creating a pretty marbled pattern.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Begin checking at 30 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through to ensure even baking and browning. If needed, bake longer for your specific oven until done.
Notes
- Use your preferred red food coloring to achieve the desired shade of red velvet; gel food coloring can provide more vibrant color without thinning the batter.
- Line the baking pan with foil for easier removal and cleanup.
- Rotate the pan during baking to ensure even cooking, as ovens can vary.
- Make sure the cream cheese is very well softened to avoid lumps in the swirl mixture.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, chocolate brownies, dessert recipe, cream cheese brownies, red velvet dessert
