Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Best Baked Treats with a Decadent Twist

If you’re on the hunt for baked sweet recipes that strike the perfect balance between elegance and indulgence, look no further than this Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. These luscious bars are rich, fudgy, slightly tangy, and visually stunning—everything you could want in a dessert. Whether you’re planning for holiday desserts chocolate themed, baking for an office dessert potluck, or simply in need of baked goods for a party, these brownies check all the boxes.

With their vibrant red hue, swirls of creamy cheesecake, and dense chocolate brownie base, these brownies are one of the best baked treats you can make from scratch. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy—ideal if you’re looking for simple bars recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Let’s dive into this indulgent and festive dessert that blends the iconic flavors of red velvet baking recipes con the irresistible tang of cheesecake.

Why You’ll Love These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

There’s a reason red velvet is a classic—its unique cocoa flavor, slight tang from vinegar or buttermilk, and luxurious texture make it a standout. When combined with a cheesecake layer, the result is a beautiful, soft, and creamy bar that feels fancy but is totally doable at home.

These brownies are:

Perfect for the holidays or special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Christmas, or anniversaries.
Easy to portion and share, making them one of the best office desserts or potluck options.
Great when you’re thinking of things to bake with cream cheese beyond just cheesecake.
Elegant enough to impress, simple enough for everyday baking.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

For the Red Velvet Brownie Base:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 taza de azúcar granulada
2 huevos grandes
1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel for best color)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 taza de harina para todo uso
1/4 de cucharadita de sal
1 teaspoon white vinegar

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Opcional Agregar-Ins:

Chocolate chips or white chocolate chips

Crushed candy canes or Oreos for topping (holiday variation)

Swirl a bit of raspberry jam for a fruity twist

Paso a Paso las Instrucciones

Paso 1: Precalentar y Preparar

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This helps with easy lifting once the brownies are done.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Whisk until well combined. Add the eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Next, sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Lastly, stir in the vinegar. This gives that signature red velvet tang and enhances the color.

Reserve about 1/4 cup of the brownie batter for swirling on top. Pour the remaining batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Beat again until creamy and lump-free.

Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and spread it gently with a spatula. Drop small dollops of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a toothpick or knife to swirl it into the cheesecake layer for a beautiful marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set and the edges begin to pull away slightly from the pan. The cheesecake should not jiggle too much, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. For the best texture, chill them in the fridge for 1–2 hours before slicing. This helps the cheesecake layer set properly and makes cutting clean bars easier.

Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red hue without watering down the batter.
Don’t overmix the cheesecake layer, or it could crack while baking.
For ultra-fudgy brownies, slightly underbake and chill them longer.
Slice using a warm, clean knife for bakery-style squares.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. These also freeze well for up to a month.

Variations and Red Velvet Baking Ideas

1. Holiday Swirl Bars

Add crushed peppermint candy on top before baking for a festive twist. These make excellent baked goods for party trays and holiday cookie swaps.

2. Nutty Red Velvet

Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added crunch and depth.

3. Double Chocolate Delight

Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the brownie and cheesecake layers. Ideal for holiday desserts chocolate fans.

4. Heart-Shaped Cut-Outs

Bake in a larger pan and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter after chilling. Perfect for romantic occasions or Valentine’s Day treat boxes.

Sugerencias Para Servir

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are incredibly versatile. Here are some creative ways to serve them:

With a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Alongside coffee or espresso as a fancy after-dinner treat.
Packed in dessert boxes for events, bake sales, or birthday parties.
Wrapped in cellophane with a ribbon for edible holiday gifts.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Parties and Potlucks

If you’re looking for simple bars recipes that stand out on a dessert table, this one is a winner. The layers of red and white are naturally eye-catching, and the flavor combo of cocoa and tangy cream cheese appeals to many. You can double the batch and use a 9×13-inch pan if you’re serving a larger crowd.

Plus, they don’t require fancy ingredients—just pantry basics and a block of cream cheese. That’s why they’re one of our favorite things to bake with cream cheese when we need a reliable hit.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 square (1/16 of an 8×8 pan)

Calories: 220
Fat: 13g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugar: 17g
Protein: 3g

Preguntas frecuentes

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes! Start with a fudge brownie mix and add a splash of vinegar and red coloring to mimic red velvet flavor. Then layer with the cheesecake topping and swirl.

Do I need buttermilk?

Traditional red velvet cakes use buttermilk, but this brownie version doesn’t need it. The vinegar adds that tangy flavor without affecting the texture.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely. Wrap each square in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

How long will these last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about 4–5 days. They taste even better after a day as the flavors settle.

More Baked Sweet Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoy this recipe, try these next:

Cream Cheese Brownie Bites
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Layered Fudge Bars with Cheesecake Swirl
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Blondies
Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Estos red velvet baking recipes are great for experimenting with different forms of presentation—mini cupcakes, loaf cakes, sandwich cookies, and more.

Reflexiones Finales

Estos Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are more than just dessert—they’re a celebration of texture, color, and flavor. They belong on every list of best baked treats, not just because they look stunning, but because they’re delightfully delicious, easy to make, and crowd-pleasing.

From baked sweet recipes for the holidays to red velvet baking ideas for everyday indulgence, this is the kind of treat you’ll keep coming back to. Whether you’re sharing them at the office, whipping up baked goods for a party, or treating yourself at home, they never disappoint.

So grab your whisk, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a pan of show-stopping, cream cheese-swirled magic.