If you’re craving something rich, beautiful, and downright irresistible, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are about to become your new favorite dessert. They’re the perfect marriage of fudgy red velvet brownies and creamy cheesecake—two iconic treats swirled together into one decadent bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make and look stunning straight out of the pan. Perfect for special occasions, potlucks, or just when your sweet tooth demands something truly special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beautiful and Impressive: The striking swirl of red velvet and cheesecake not only tastes amazing but looks stunning on any dessert table.
Fudgy and Creamy Combo: Get the best of both worlds—dense, fudgy brownie base with a luscious cheesecake layer on top.
Simple to Make: No fancy equipment or techniques required. A few bowls and a swirl of a knife is all it takes.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a holiday party, or a random Tuesday, these brownies fit the bill.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to pull off these show-stopping brownies:

Butter: Gives the brownies that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Melted for easy mixing.
Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that crackly brownie top we all love.
Cocoa Powder: For that subtle chocolate depth in the red velvet base. Unsweetened is best.
Red Food Coloring: The signature deep red hue of red velvet. Gel food coloring works great for a vibrant look.
White Vinegar: Enhances the tangy red velvet flavor and reacts with baking soda for lift.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
Eggs: Essential for binding and adding richness.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the brownies soft and tender.
Cream Cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer. Use full-fat for the best texture and flavor.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer without making it grainy.

Variations

Want to get creative with your brownies? Try these twists:

Chocolate Chip Boost: Fold some chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra gooeyness.
Swirl it Differently: Reverse the layers—spread cheesecake first, then dollop and swirl in the red velvet batter for a different look.
Mini Brownie Bites: Bake in mini muffin tins for cute, bite-sized treats.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-friendly version.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

Melt butter in a mixing bowl and whisk in the sugar until smooth. Stir in cocoa powder, red food coloring, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and eggs. Once combined, fold in the flour gently until you have a thick, velvety batter.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps—this layer should be silky.

Step 3: Layer the Batter

Spread most of the red velvet brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top. Add remaining brownie batter in small spoonfuls around the cheesecake.

Step 4: Swirl it Beautifully

Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batters together. Don’t overmix—you want those pretty marbled patterns.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let cool completely before cutting.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temp to ensure smooth blending and even baking.
Don’t Overbake: These brownies should be fudgy, not dry. A slightly underdone center is okay—it will set as it cools.
Chill Before Slicing: For clean, sharp brownie squares, chill them in the fridge for an hour before cutting.
Use Quality Cocoa: Since cocoa is one of the main flavors, go for a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder.

How to Serve

These brownies are so versatile when it comes to serving:

On Their Own

They’re rich and flavorful enough to be served plain—no toppings needed.

With Ice Cream

Pair with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Drizzle It

A little white chocolate or dark chocolate drizzle adds a gorgeous finish and a flavor boost.

For Gifting

Wrap individual squares in wax paper and tie with a ribbon—perfect edible gift idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days and taste even better on day two!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze them! Place cut brownies in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Let frozen brownies thaw in the fridge overnight, or bring to room temperature before serving. No need to reheat unless you want them warm and gooey—then just microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use a box brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use your favorite boxed brownie mix as the base and swirl in the homemade cheesecake layer. Just make sure the mix isn’t overly fudgy so the layers stay distinct.

Why do I need vinegar in red velvet brownies?
The vinegar reacts with the cocoa and baking soda to help develop that classic red velvet flavor and tender texture. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.

Can I make this recipe without red food coloring?
Absolutely! The color is mostly aesthetic. If you skip it, you’ll still get a delicious chocolatey cheesecake brownie—it just won’t be red.

How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should look set and slightly pulled from the pan, and the center should have a slight jiggle but no liquid batter. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are pure indulgence with a swirl of elegance. They’re so easy to whip up and look like you spent way more time on them than you actually did. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (no shame in that!), these brownies are guaranteed to impress. Go ahead and give them a try—you’ll be hooked after the first bite!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe