Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of dark chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl. The vibrant red hue and marbled design make them a stunning dessert perfect for any occasion.

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 the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easier cleanup and spray with cooking spray. 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 intervals until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Add the granulated sugar to the chocolate mixture and whisk to combine. The mixture will be thick and granular.
- Step 4: Whisk in the eggs until fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Gently whisk in the red food coloring and vanilla extract. Add more food coloring if you want a deeper red shade.
- Step 6: Stir in the cocoa powder.
- Step 7: Add the flour and salt, then stir just until combined.
- Step 8: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and set aside.
- Step 9: For the cream cheese swirl, beat the egg whites, cream cheese, and 1/4 cup sugar with a handheld mixer on high for about 5 minutes until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 10: Add the 2 tablespoons flour and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and beat to combine.
- Step 11: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter.
- Step 12: Using a knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Step 13: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 30 minutes and rotate the pan once midway through baking for even cooking.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa) for the richest brownie flavor.
- If you prefer a more intense red color, add additional food coloring gradually until you reach your desired shade.
- For a nutty twist, fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter before baking.
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft to achieve a smooth and fluffy swirl mixture.
- To avoid overbaking, begin checking doneness at 30 minutes since ovens can vary widely.
Storage
Store these brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave for a soft, creamy texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of unsweetened?
It’s best to use unsweetened cocoa powder for the proper cocoa flavor without added sweetness, ensuring the brownies maintain their rich, balanced taste.
Do I need to use heavy-duty foil for lining the pan?
Heavy-duty foil is recommended for easier cleanup and sturdiness when lifting the brownies out, but regular foil or parchment paper can also be used.
Print
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 to 16 brownies 1x
Description
Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirl, creating a beautiful marbled dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a luxurious treat.
Ingredients
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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with heavy duty aluminum foil for easier cleanup if desired, then spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: Place the cubed butter and chopped chocolate in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 90 seconds, stirring until smooth. If not fully melted, heat in additional 15-second intervals until fully combined.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Whisk in the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and granular. Then add the eggs and whisk until well combined.
- Incorporate Color and Flavor: Gently whisk in the red food coloring and vanilla extract to your desired intensity of red color.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the cocoa powder, then add the flour and salt, stirring gently until fully incorporated.
- Pour Brownie Batter: Turn the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Make Cream Cheese Swirl: Using a handheld electric mixer, beat the egg whites, softened cream cheese, and sugar on high for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Flour and Vanilla: Beat in the flour and vanilla extract until fully integrated.
- Assemble Swirl: Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Using a knife, gently swirl the mixture to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 30 minutes, adjusting baking time as needed depending on your oven.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of red.
- Using heavy duty foil for lining the pan makes cleanup easier.
- The cream cheese swirl mixture might seem abundant but is just right for the marbling and texture.
- Rotate the pan midway through baking to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Because of oven variations, bake until fully done regardless of timing to avoid underbaking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Brownies, Cheesecake Brownies, Marbled Brownies, Chocolate Dessert, Red Velvet Cheesecake, Fudgy Brownies

