Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe

Craving something sweet, rich, and absolutely indulgent? Look no further than Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies! These brownies combine the bold flavors of red velvet with the tangy creaminess of cheesecake, all in one decadent, marbled treat. Perfect for special occasions, holidays, or simply a sweet snack, these brownies will have everyone coming back for more. Plus, they look stunning with their red velvet and creamy cheesecake swirls!

Read on for a detailed, step-by-step recipe that will help you create a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

What Are Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies?

Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are a delicious fusion of two classic desserts: rich, moist red velvet cake and tangy cheesecake. The brownie base is made with red velvet batter, which is typically flavored with cocoa powder and vanilla and colored a deep red using food coloring. On top of that, dollops of a creamy cheesecake mixture are added and swirled into the red velvet batter to create a marbled effect.

These brownies are the perfect balance of flavors: the slight tang of the cheesecake complements the sweetness and cocoa notes of the red velvet. Plus, they’re easy to make and look stunning with their vibrant red and white swirls.

Ingredients List for Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:

For the Red Velvet Brownie Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (liquid)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some fun substitutions and variations for your Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
• Natural Coloring: If you want to avoid food coloring, you can use natural red food coloring made from beets. Alternatively, you can leave out the coloring for cocoa brownies with a cheesecake swirl.
• Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey surprise.
• Vegan Option: Use vegan butter, cream cheese, and egg substitutes to make this dessert plant-based.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Layer

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in the red food coloring and vinegar until fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined and a smooth red velvet batter forms.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Swirl

1. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the mixture is fully combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Assemble the Brownies

1. Pour about ¾ of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top of the red velvet batter.
3. Spoon the remaining red velvet batter in small dollops over the top.
4. Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the red velvet batter. Be careful not to over-swirl; you want distinct red and white swirls.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

1. Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (avoid overbaking).
2. Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

1. For the best results, refrigerate the brownies for about 1-2 hours after they’ve cooled. This helps the cheesecake layer set and makes slicing easier.
2. Once chilled, cut the brownies into squares and serve!

How to Cook Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simplified guide for cooking the Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:

1. Prepare the Red Velvet Batter: Whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, food coloring, and vinegar. Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
2. Make the Cheesecake Swirl: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Assemble the Brownies: Layer the red velvet batter and cheesecake, then swirl them together.
4. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F.
5. Chill and Serve: Let the brownies cool, refrigerate, then cut into squares and enjoy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in tough, dense brownies. Stir the dry ingredients in just until combined.
• Not Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake swirl.
• Over-swirling the Cheesecake: Be careful not to over-swirl the cheesecake and red velvet batter; you want to see distinct layers of red and white.
• Overbaking: Bake the brownies just until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking can result in dry brownies.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Want to make your Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies look as amazing as they taste? Try these presentation ideas:

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple but elegant touch, lightly dust the top of the brownies with powdered sugar.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or white chocolate over the brownies for a fancy finish.
• Whipped Cream: Serve the brownies with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of red velvet crumbs for an added touch of luxury.
• Fresh Berries: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing with fresh raspberries or strawberries.

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are best served chilled, as the cheesecake layer sets beautifully in the fridge. They make a fantastic dessert for special occasions, holidays, or as an indulgent afternoon treat. Serve them with:

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to complement the rich, sweet flavors.
• A cup of coffee or hot chocolate for the perfect dessert pairing.

Presentation Ideas for Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

Here are a few creative ways to present your Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:

• Cut Into Hearts: Use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut the brownies into cute heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion.
• Layered Dessert: Serve the brownies as part of a layered dessert by stacking them with layers of whipped cream and fresh berries.
• Gift Box: Package the brownies in a decorative box with parchment paper for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth batter.
• Chill Before Slicing: For clean, sharp slices, refrigerate the brownies for at least an hour before cutting.
• Don’t Overmix the Swirl: To get beautiful, distinct swirls, be gentle when swirling the cheesecake and red velvet batters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can make Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and serve chilled.

Q: Can I freeze these brownies?

A: Absolutely! After the brownies have cooled completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Q: Do I need to use red food coloring?

A: No, the food coloring is optional. If you prefer, you can leave it out, and you'll have a chocolate and cheesecake swirl brownie instead of red velvet.

Q: How do I prevent the cheesecake swirl from cracking?

A: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature and avoid overbaking the brownies. The slight jiggle in the cheesecake layer will firm up as it cools.

Conclusion

There you have it—everything you need to make stunning Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies! These treats are a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of both worlds: rich, fudgy red velvet brownies and creamy, tangy cheesecake. Whether you’re making them for a holiday celebration, a special gathering, or just a sweet indulgence for yourself, these brownies are sure to impress. Follow the recipe, keep an eye on your baking time, and you’ll have a batch of perfectly swirled brownies in no time. Happy baking!

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