Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies blend the best of all dessert worlds: rich red velvet brownies, velvety vanilla cheesecake, and silky chocolate cheesecake, all baked into one mesmerizing, decadent treat. Each bite promises a perfect harmony of fudgy, tangy, creamy, and chocolatey goodness—honestly, it’s love at first swirl for anyone who tries them!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-Stopping Swirls: With marbled cheesecake rippled through vibrant red velvet, these brownies are as gorgeous as they are delicious.
- Triple-Layered Indulgence: You get fudgy red velvet, dreamy vanilla cheesecake, and rich chocolate cheesecake in every single bite.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies feel like a special occasion—even if you’re just treating yourself on a Tuesday night!
- Customizable Texture & Flavor: You have total control over the type of chocolate and extras, so each batch can be uniquely yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the beautiful swirls fool you—every ingredient here has a deliciously important role to play. From tangy cream cheese for the cheesecake layers to the cocoa and chocolate that give the brownies their signature decadence, these pantry staples come together in a celebration of color, flavor, and texture.
- Cream Cheese: The creamy foundation for both cheesecake layers, so use full-fat for richness and tang.
- White Sugar: Sweetens both the cheesecake fillings and the brownie batter, perfectly balancing the cocoa and cream cheese.
- Heavy Cream: Adds silkiness to the cheesecake layers and helps bind the chocolate ganache for the chocolate cheesecake.
- Egg: Gives structure and creaminess, especially in the cheesecake elements.
- Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Bean Paste: Deepens the flavor in both your brownie batter and cheesecakes—vanilla bean paste brings little speckles, too!
- Dark or Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Graces both the chocolate cheesecake and the brownie batter for deep, chocolatey satisfaction.
- Unsalted Butter: Browned for extra nutty depth—absolutely essential for that red velvet magic!
- Brown Sugar: Brings a lovely caramel note to complement the chocolate.
- Red Food Coloring: For that iconic, dramatic red swirl; gel or liquid both work, but gel gives a more vibrant hue.
- Vinegar: Enhances the red color and contributes a slight tang for authenticity.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides just the right amount of texture for dense, fudgy brownies.
- Dutch-Processed Cocoa Powder: Deepens the red color and intensifies chocolate flavor.
- Salt: Don’t skip it—it sharpens all those sweet and tangy flavors!
- Chopped Chocolates (White, Dark, Milk, or Chips): Folded into or scattered on top for extra gooey pockets and indulgence.
Variations
There are endless ways to make these Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies truly your own—don’t be afraid to riff on the classic! You can adapt them for any chocolate preference, dairy sensitivity, or add a sprinkle of fun with your favorite mix-ins.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and savor every fudgy, creamy bite—no gluten required.
- Festive Mix-Ins: Try adding crushed peppermint candies for the holidays or a swirl of raspberry jam for fruity zing.
- Dairy-Free Dream: Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter to keep the brownies creamy without any dairy.
- Nutty Crunch: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for irresistible texture and a toasty twist.
How to Make Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Make the Vanilla Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, white sugar, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. Whisk gently on medium-low until the mixture is velvety and smooth, being careful not to overmix. The key is a lump-free, creamy texture that will bake up light and luscious—set it aside while you move on.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Cheesecake Filling
Microwave your chocolate and heavy cream together in 20-second bursts, stirring until you have a glossy ganache. Separately, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then gently fold the cooled chocolate ganache in. Stop mixing the moment the mixture is even—overmixing is the enemy of that gorgeous marbling!
Step 3: Brown the Butter and Melt the Chocolate
In a saucepan, brown the butter until it smells nutty and you see those golden flecks (watch closely—this happens fast!). Take it off the heat, add dark chocolate, and stir until completely melted. This little extra effort adds a deep caramel note and irresistibly fudgy texture to your Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies.
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together both sugars, the eggs, and vanilla until a thick, pale, and airy batter forms (3-4 minutes). This bit of elbow grease gives the brownies their signature lift and chewy bite.
Step 5: Add Color and Combine
Mix in the vinegar, red food coloring, and your fragrant butter-chocolate mixture. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then fold gently just until combined. If you want to add chopped chocolate, wait until assembly for an easier swirl, or fold it in now for chocolate-packed bites throughout!
Step 6: Assemble and Swirl
Preheat your oven and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment for easy removal. Spread half the brownie batter on the bottom, sprinkle on some chocolate pieces, then alternate thick lines or generous dollops of the vanilla and chocolate cheesecake fillings. Gently spread remaining brownie batter on top and swirl everything together with a toothpick for that signature marbled effect. Finish with a sprinkle of more chopped chocolate if you like.
Step 7: Bake, Set, and Chill
Bake at 350°F (conventional/no fan) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with sticky, moist crumbs (not raw batter!). Rest in the pan for 20 minutes, then chill for at least 1 hour so the swirls set, flavors meld, and slicing is a dream. This patience pays off—promise!
Pro Tips for Making Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
- Butter Browning Brilliance: Take the time to brown your butter—this step adds irresistible depth and amplifies the overall fudgy flavor.
- Cool Your Ganache: Let your chocolate ganache cool slightly before adding it to the cream cheese to keep the cheesecake super creamy and not runny.
- Gentle Marbling: For the prettiest swirls, use a toothpick or skewer and make slow, controlled figure-eights—too much swirling mixes everything together.
- Chill Before Slicing: Patience is rewarded! Chilling ensures the brownies slice cleanly and the cheesecake is just the right creamy, luscious texture.
How to Serve Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Garnishes
For eye-catching flair, dust your brownies with powdered sugar, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate, or sprinkle with a pinch of freeze-dried raspberries. Even a few chocolate curls or edible glitter can make your Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies party-ready in seconds.
Side Dishes
A scoop of creamy vanilla or strawberry ice cream turns these brownies into a sundae showstopper. For a more grown-up pairing, serve alongside a cup of strong espresso or a tall glass of cold milk—it’s classic comfort meets bakery-chic!
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your brownies into elegant triangles for a dessert tray, pop cubes onto skewers for party-ready brownie pops, or serve them in parfait glasses layered with whipped cream and berries for an individual dessert experience. If you’re gifting, stack them in a pretty box with wax paper—those stunning swirls deserve to be the star of any celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of their creamy cheesecake layers, it’s best to store Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container; they’ll stay fresh, fudgy, and delicious for up to 5 days—if they last that long!
Freezing
Yes, you can definitely freeze these beauties! Slice and wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you like your brownies just a little warm, microwave one (straight from the fridge) for 10-15 seconds. The cheesecake gets silky and the chocolate slightly melted—absolutely dreamy with a scoop of ice cream!
FAQs
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Can I make Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, making them a day ahead is ideal. The flavors meld beautifully as they chill, and you’ll find the brownies slice more cleanly after a solid rest in the fridge.
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What’s the best way to get vibrant red color in the brownies?
Gel food coloring works best for that rich, dramatic red. Liquid coloring is okay in a pinch, but go for a high-quality gel for the most vivid swirls—and don’t forget the vinegar, which helps set the color!
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Can I use other types of chocolate for the mix-ins?
Absolutely! Customize the experience with your favorite chocolate: milk, semi-sweet, dark, white, or even ruby chocolate for a fun twist. Chopped bars melt into gooey pockets, but chips are great too for easy distribution.
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How do I keep the brownie and cheesecake fillings from mixing too much?
For the prettiest marbling, dollop or pipe both cheesecake fillings in thick lines or separate blobs, then very gently swirl with a toothpick or skewer. Resist the urge to over-swirl—less is more for those gorgeous contrasting stripes!
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you try Swirled Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies, they’re bound to become your new kitchen triumph. They’re spectacular to look at, endlessly adaptable, and absolutely irresistible. I can’t wait for your kitchen to fill with the scent of chocolate and cheesecake—happy baking, and enjoy every unforgettable bite!
PrintRed Velvet Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect combination of red velvet brownies with swirls of vanilla and chocolate cheesecake fillings in this decadent and visually stunning dessert.
Ingredients
Vanilla Cheesecake Filling:
- 8oz cream cheese, room temperature (226g)
- 1/4 cup white sugar (50g)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
Chocolate Cheesecake Filling:
- 100g dark or semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (60g)
- 6oz cream cheese, room temperature (170g)
- 1/4 cup white sugar (50g)
Red Velvet Brownie Batter:
- 12 tbsp unsalted butter (170g)
- 50g dark chocolate
- 3/4 cup white sugar (150g)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (100g)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1/2 tsp vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp red food color
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (130g)
- 2 tbsp Dutch processed cocoa powder (12g)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 100g of chopped white, dark and milk chocolates (or chocolate chips) to your liking
Instructions
- Vanilla Cheesecake Filling: Add the cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla to a bowl. Whisk until creamy and set aside.
- Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: Make a ganache with chocolate and cream, then fold into cream cheese mixture and set aside.
- Red Velvet Brownie Batter: Melt butter with dark chocolate, whisk sugars, eggs, vanilla, then fold in dry ingredients and chocolate.
- Assembly and Baking: Layer brownie batter and cheesecake fillings in a pan, swirl, and bake at 350F for 30-35 minutes.
- Let cool, then chill before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The brownie batter firms up over time, making it easier to handle by spreading first on parchment paper before placing in the pan.
- Store brownies in the fridge, but enjoy at room temperature or warmed up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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