Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with a creamy cheesecake swirl and the signature red velvet flavor. Perfect for special occasions or just a decadent treat, they’re easy to make and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients
- 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
- 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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Spray the foil with cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a very large microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed butter and chopped chocolate. Heat on high for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. If needed, heat in additional 15-second bursts until fully melted.
- Step 3: Add the sugar to the bowl and whisk to combine; the mixture will be thick and granular.
- Step 4: Add the eggs and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract gently at first, then whisk to mix well. Add more food coloring if you want a deeper red color.
- Step 6: Stir in the cocoa powder until evenly mixed.
- Step 7: Add the flour and salt, then stir until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
- Step 8: Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the egg whites, softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla on high for about 5 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 9: Add the flour to the cream cheese mixture and beat until incorporated.
- Step 10: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the pan.
- Step 11: Use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the brownie batter, creating a marbled effect.
- Step 12: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking at 30 minutes and rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense red color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid for less liquid impact on the batter.
- To add texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking.
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft to ensure a smooth, fluffy swirl.
Storage
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if desired. These brownies can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but using unsweetened cocoa powder ensures a balanced chocolate flavor without added sweetness, which complements the cheesecake swirling well.
What if I don’t have red food coloring?
You can omit the food coloring, but the brownies will have a traditional chocolate color instead of the vibrant red velvet appearance.
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Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in these luscious Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies featuring a rich, fudgy red velvet brownie base topped with a creamy, fluffy cheesecake swirl. Perfectly marbled and baked to perfection, these decadent treats combine the best of both worlds—a moist chocolatey brownie with a velvety cheesecake topping.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 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)
- 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Spray the foil generously with cooking spray and set the pan aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a very large microwave-safe bowl, add the cubed butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, then stir until smooth. If the chocolate hasn’t fully melted, heat in additional 15-second bursts until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Add Sugar: Pour in the granulated sugar and whisk thoroughly to combine. The mixture will become thick and granular in texture.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the four whole eggs to the bowl and whisk until fully combined and smooth.
- Add Color and Flavor: Stir in the red food coloring and vanilla extract gently at first to incorporate evenly. Add more food coloring if you desire a deeper red shade.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the sifted cocoa powder until incorporated, then add the all-purpose flour and kosher salt, stirring carefully to combine without overmixing.
- Transfer Brownie Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and set it aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg whites, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract on high with a handheld electric mixer for about 5 minutes. Continue until the mixture is completely smooth and has fluffed up significantly in volume.
- Add Flour to Swirl Mix: Add the two tablespoons of flour to the cream cheese mixture and beat just until incorporated.
- Layer and Swirl: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Begin checking at 30 minutes. Rotate the pan once midway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and altitude, so bake until done without focusing solely on the clock.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred red velvet shade.
- Using heavy-duty aluminum foil for lining the pan helps in easier cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Be careful not to overmix the flour into the brownie batter to maintain a tender texture.
- The cream cheese swirl amount looks like a lot but results in the perfect balance after baking.
- Rotate the pan midway through baking to promote even cooking and browning.
- Check doneness starting at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking; a toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 42 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: red velvet cheesecake brownies, cheesecake swirl brownies, fudgy brownies, red velvet dessert, homemade brownies

