Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the magic of Red Velvet Cheesecake brownies! These little squares of joy are the perfect blend of rich, velvety chocolate and creamy cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s just too good to resist. I remember the first time I made them; the smell wafted through my kitchen, and I couldn’t wait to dive in! The vibrant red color is simply stunning, making them ideal for special occasions or just a cozy night in. Plus, the creamy cheesecake layer adds a luxurious twist that takes the classic brownie to a whole new level. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked! They’re so delicious that you might want to hide them from your friends and family—just saying!
Ingredients for Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
To whip up these scrumptious Red Velvet Cheesecake brownies, you’ll need the following ingredients. Trust me, having everything measured out makes the process a breeze!
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg (for the cheesecake layer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cheesecake layer)
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before you start melting it, and don’t forget to soften that cream cheese! You want it nice and creamy for the cheesecake layer. Let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Pan
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your brownies bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey! While that’s heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it well. This step is crucial to prevent any sticking and to make sure your beautiful brownies come out in one piece!
Make the Brownie Batter
Now, let’s dive into making that luscious brownie batter! Start by melting your unsalted butter in a large bowl. Once it’s nice and melted, mix in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined and fluffy. Next, add in those four large eggs and two teaspoons of vanilla extract, stirring until everything is blended together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring until it’s all mixed up. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix, or we’ll lose that fudgy texture!
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
For the creamy cheesecake layer, you’ll want to beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a separate bowl until it’s smooth and velvety. Then, add in one egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until it’s just incorporated. Make sure there are no lumps—this is key to achieving that dreamy cheesecake texture!
Assemble the Brownies
Now comes the fun part—assembling those brownies! Start by spreading half of the brownie batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Then, gently dollop the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading it evenly as well. Finally, top it off with the remaining brownie batter, making sure everything is covered. This layering technique creates that beautiful marbled effect when baked!
Baking and Cooling
Pop your masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Trust me, the aroma will be irresistible as they cool!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent rich flavor that combines chocolate and creamy cheesecake
- Easy preparation—perfect for both novice bakers and pros
- Visually stunning, making them perfect for special occasions
- Fudgy brownies with a luscious cheesecake layer create a delightful texture
- Great for sharing with friends and family (if you’re feeling generous!)
Tips for Success with Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
To ensure your Red Velvet Cheesecake brownies turn out perfectly, here are some of my best tips! First, always use high-quality ingredients—fresh eggs and real vanilla extract make a big difference in flavor. When melting butter, do it gently to avoid burning. Be careful not to overmix your batter, as this can lead to dense brownies; just mix until combined! If your brownies seem too gooey, they may need a couple of extra minutes in the oven, but keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking. And remember, patience is key; let them cool completely for the best texture when cutting!
Nutritional Information
These delightful Red Velvet Cheesecake brownies are not just a treat for the taste buds but also come with some nutritional details to keep in mind! Each brownie contains approximately 300 calories, with 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy them in moderation for a sweet escape!
FAQ About Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They’ll stay fresh and delicious, but trust me, they might not last that long!
Can I use a different food coloring?
Absolutely! While red is classic, you can experiment with other colors to create your own unique version. Just make sure to use gel food coloring for the best results!
What can I serve with these brownies?
These brownies are fantastic on their own, but I love serving them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You could even drizzle some chocolate sauce on top for an extra indulgent treat!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is suitable for baking to maintain that delicious texture!
How do I know when they’re done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it comes out gooey, give them a couple more minutes in the oven, but keep an eye on them!
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies: 5 Irresistible Layers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delicious red velvet cheesecake brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, melt the butter and mix with sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, salt, and red food coloring.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
- Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool and cut into squares.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Serve with whipped cream for extra flavor.
- Adjust the amount of food coloring for desired color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Red Velvet Cheesecake brownies