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Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies

red velvet cheesecake swirl brownies - featured image

These brownies combine the rich cocoa undertones of red velvet with a tangy cream cheese swirl, creating a decadent and visually striking dessert that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (unbleached preferred)
  • 2 tbsp (15g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp red food coloring
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) square baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth and glossy, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract and red food coloring until the color is even.
  3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Fold gently but thoroughly using a spatula—do not overmix. The batter should be thick but spreadable.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing just until incorporated.
  5. Pour the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly with a spatula. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top in random spots (about 10-12 dollops).
  6. Using a toothpick or skewer, drag through the dollops and brownie batter in gentle zigzags or circles to create a marbled swirl effect. Avoid over-swirl.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set but the center slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted near the edges should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the brownies completely in the pan for at least one hour to allow the cheesecake to set and the brownies to firm up.
  9. Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into 12 squares with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for a smooth swirl to avoid lumps. Be gentle when folding in flour to prevent tough brownies. Pull brownies out when edges are set but center is still slightly jiggly for perfect texture. Swirl gently to maintain marbled look. Pre-measure dry ingredients and soften cream cheese in advance to save time.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet brownies, cheesecake swirl, dessert, easy brownies, chocolate dessert, cream cheese brownies, quick dessert