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
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 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
