If you're a fan of both brownies and cheesecake, then you’re in for a real treat! Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the tangy creaminess of cheesecake, all swirled together into a beautiful and delicious dessert. Whether you’re hosting a party, baking for a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet treat, this recipe will be your new favorite go-to. Read on to learn everything about how to make the perfect Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, along with expert tips, ingredient lists, and more!
What Are Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies?
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are a unique dessert that merges two classic treats—red velvet cake and cheesecake—into one. The brownies feature the signature red velvet flavor, known for its subtle cocoa taste, with a hint of vanilla and a splash of tangy cream cheese. The visual appeal is undeniable as well, thanks to the beautiful contrast between the rich red brownie base and the creamy white cheesecake swirls on top. This dessert offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures: fudgy, soft, and creamy all in one bite.
Ingredients List for Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Before we get started, here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for the Red Velvet layer of the brownies:
Brownie Layer:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Swirl Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredient List for Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies (Substitutions)
Here are some ingredient substitution ideas in case you're out of a few items or want to make the recipe a bit healthier:
Substitutions:
- Butter: You can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine, though the texture may be slightly different. Coconut oil gives a subtle coconut flavor.
- Sugar: For a lower-sugar version, you can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like stevia, although it may slightly affect the texture.
- Flour: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour as a 1:1 substitute if you want a gluten-free version.
- Food Coloring: If you prefer a natural alternative, beet juice or powdered beetroot can give you that signature red color without artificial food dyes.
- Cream Cheese: For a lower-fat version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which has a similar texture but fewer calories and fat.
Substitutions and Variations
If you want to get creative with your Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies, here are some fun variations you can try:
Variations:
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the brownie batter for a more indulgent chocolate flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for some added crunch and texture.
- Marbled Brownie: For a more dramatic swirl, you can alternate dollops of the cheesecake and red velvet batter, then use a knife to create intricate marble patterns.
- Extra Cream Cheese Layer: If you’re a huge fan of cheesecake, double the cheesecake layer ingredients to make a thicker swirl.
- Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a vegan version.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to get started? Here’s how to create these delicious Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the brownies out later.
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, red food coloring, and white vinegar.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour most of the red velvet brownie batter into the prepared pan, saving about ¼ cup of the batter for swirling. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula. Then, drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer. Finally, spoon the reserved red velvet batter over the cheesecake layer.
- Create the Swirls: Use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl the brownie batter and cheesecake together, creating a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.
How to Cook Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies: A Step-by-Step Guide
This dessert may look complex, but it's actually very simple once you break it down step by step:
- Preparation: Always start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping your pan and oven. This ensures that everything runs smoothly during the process.
- Batter Mixing: Focus on mixing the wet and dry ingredients separately to avoid overmixing, which can lead to tough brownies.
- Swirling Technique: For the best visual effect, lightly swirl the batters together without over-mixing. The goal is to have distinct layers of cheesecake and red velvet.
- Baking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can result in dry brownies, while underbaking can make them too gooey. Aim for a balance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing: This can lead to dense brownies. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Overbaking: Check the brownies a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid drying them out.
- Not Cooling Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing; otherwise, they might fall apart.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you present these Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies can take them from simple to show-stopping! Here’s how you can serve them for maximum appeal:
How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:
- Room Temperature: Serve them at room temperature for the fudgiest, most indulgent experience.
- Chilled: For a firmer texture, refrigerate the brownies for an hour before serving. This also enhances the cheesecake layer.
- Topped with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on top can turn these brownies into a decadent dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies:
- Clean Cuts: Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to slice the brownies neatly. Wipe the knife clean between each cut for the best results.
- Garnishes: Dust the top with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an extra touch. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, also complement the red velvet flavor beautifully.
- Plated Elegance: Serve the brownies on a dessert plate with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or raspberry coulis for a restaurant-style presentation.
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownie Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper to line your baking pan, making it easier to lift the brownies out once they’re done.
- Red Color: Adjust the amount of food coloring to your preference, depending on how vibrant you want the red velvet layer to appear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies can be made 1–2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh.
How do I store these brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Freeze the brownies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies are a must-try for anyone who loves rich, decadent desserts. With their striking appearance and harmonious blend of flavors, these brownies are perfect for special occasions or as a sweet indulgence any time of the year. Follow this recipe, experiment with the variations, and don’t forget to share this delightful treat with family and friends!
PrintRed Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies Recipe
These Red Velvet Cheesecake Swirl Brownies combine the classic red velvet flavor with a creamy cheesecake swirl. A visually stunning and delicious treat, perfect for special events or simply satisfying a sweet craving. Make these brownies for a crowd-pleasing dessert with bold colors and flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Red Velvet Brownies: butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, cocoa powder, flour, salt.
- For the Cheesecake Swirl: cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, vanilla extract.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix melted butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and red food coloring in a bowl. Stir in cocoa, flour, and salt to form brownie batter.
- In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan. Dollop cheesecake mixture on top and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes. Let cool before cutting.
Notes
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.
- Adjust the red food coloring for deeper or lighter color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
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