Rich, fudgy, and absolutely irresistible — these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are what dessert dreams are made of. With a vibrant red velvet base and a luscious swirl of creamy cheesecake on top, every bite is a perfect mix of tangy and sweet. They’re surprisingly simple to make and come together quickly, making them a standout treat for holidays, parties, or a cozy night in. These brownies are a guaranteed showstopper — both in looks and flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Two Desserts in One: Brownies AND cheesecake? Yes, please! You get the dense, chewy goodness of a brownie with the smooth, creamy delight of cheesecake all in one bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a bake sale, or just a craving, these bars always steal the spotlight.
Eye-Catching and Elegant: That deep red hue with white swirls is not only stunning but also super easy to pull off — no fancy skills required.
Quick and Simple: You don’t need a mixer or any hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few bowls, a whisk, and about 15 minutes of prep time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These brownies are easy to put together with everyday pantry ingredients — here’s what you need and why:

Butter: For that rich, melt-in-your-mouth brownie texture. Unsalted is best so you control the salt level.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the brownies and helps create the signature crackly top.
Eggs: Bind everything together and give both the brownie and cheesecake layers structure and richness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to both the brownie and cheesecake batters. Don’t skip it.
Cocoa Powder: Just a little to bring in that subtle chocolate flavor that’s essential to red velvet.
Red Food Coloring: This gives the brownies their striking red color — gel food coloring works best for a bold hue.
Vinegar: A classic red velvet ingredient. It reacts with the cocoa and adds a tiny tang to enhance the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to give the brownies structure without making them cakey.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake swirl — use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest result.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer without adding graininess.

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Stir mini chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolate bursts in every bite.
Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of texture and nutty flavor.
Marble Swirl: Use a toothpick or knife to create dramatic swirls with the cheesecake topping — make it artsy!
Festive Touch: Top with holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes for seasonal flair.
Gluten-Free: Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and you’re good to go.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a bowl, melt the butter and whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring. Add cocoa powder, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. Fold in the flour just until combined — don’t overmix.

Step 3: Reserve Some Batter

Pour most of the red velvet batter into your prepared pan, but save about ¼ cup for the swirl on top.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and one egg until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble and Swirl

Pour the cheesecake layer over the red velvet base. Dollop the reserved red velvet batter on top and use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl the two together.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center just slightly jiggles. Cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out for a bit before mixing — this ensures a smooth, lump-free swirl.
Don’t Overbake: The center should have a slight jiggle when you pull it out. Overbaking leads to dry brownies.
Use Parchment Paper: It makes cleanup a breeze and helps you lift the whole slab out cleanly for slicing.
Chill Before Cutting: For cleaner slices, let the brownies chill in the fridge for an hour before cutting into squares.

How to Serve

These brownies are fantastic as-is, but you can elevate them even further:

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar:

A light dusting adds a pretty finish — especially nice for holidays.

Warm with Ice Cream:

Pop a square in the microwave for 10 seconds and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — pure indulgence.

On a Dessert Platter:

Cut into bite-sized squares and serve alongside other treats like cookies or truffles for a stunning dessert board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They actually taste even better the next day once the flavors have settled.

Freezing

Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

No need to reheat, but if you like them warm, a quick 10-second microwave zap brings them back to fudgy perfection.

FAQs

Can I double this recipe for a bigger batch?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Keep an eye on the baking time — you may need to add 5–10 more minutes.

Can I use boxed brownie mix as a shortcut?
You can, but the homemade version gives you that true red velvet flavor and color. If you do use a mix, add cocoa powder, red food coloring, and a splash of vinegar to mimic the red velvet profile.

Why did my cheesecake swirl sink?
It’s normal for the cheesecake layer to blend a bit into the brownie as it bakes. To keep distinct swirls, don’t over-swirl and make sure your cheesecake batter is thick, not runny.

Can I make this without food coloring?
Yes, but the brownies won’t have that signature red hue. You can leave it out entirely or try natural alternatives like beet powder, though the color won’t be as vibrant.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet, indulgent, and just a little fancy, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies deliver every time. They’re rich, beautiful, and so easy to whip up. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is the kind of keeper you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try — you’re going to fall in love at first bite.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe