Swirls of tangy cheesecake meet the rich, chocolatey charm of red velvet in this irresistible dessert bar. These Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are perfect for when you want to impress without too much fuss. With their striking marbled appearance and balanced flavor, they’re just as beautiful as they are delicious.

Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a holiday spread, or just a cozy night in, these bars check every box. Fudgy brownie base, creamy cheesecake topping, and a hint of cocoa all in one bite—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love This Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

A stunning dessert with minimal effort
Combines two classics: brownies and cheesecake
Rich, fudgy, and tangy in every bite
Great for gifting, parties, or freezing for later
Can be made ahead and still taste freshly baked

What Makes Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies So Special?

Red velvet isn’t just about the color—it’s a soft cocoa flavor with a mild tang that blends beautifully with the smooth cheesecake topping. The brownies bake into neat squares that hold their shape but melt in your mouth. Using a homemade batter gives you total control over flavor and texture, while the swirled cheesecake elevates them from simple brownies to a full-blown dessert centerpiece.

Ingredients for the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Each ingredient in these brownies plays a key role in flavor, texture, and those gorgeous swirls:

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps the brownies stay moist and fudgy.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps give the top that crackly brownie finish.
Eggs – Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the flavor in both the brownie and cheesecake layers.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – Gives the red velvet its signature mild chocolate taste.
Red Food Coloring – Essential for that vibrant red hue that sets red velvet apart.
White Vinegar – A small splash boosts the red color and adds a subtle tang.
All-Purpose Flour – The base for the batter, creating the perfect brownie texture.
Cream Cheese – The star of the cheesecake layer, making it creamy and slightly tangy.
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer without any grittiness.

How To Make the Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later.

Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter

Melt the butter and stir in the sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, red food coloring, cocoa powder, and vinegar until fully combined. Gently fold in the flour just until incorporated—don’t overmix!

Step 3: Reserve Some Batter

Pour most of the red velvet batter into the prepared pan, but save about 1/4 cup of it for the swirling step.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and a little vanilla extract until fully combined and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble and Swirl

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie base. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved red velvet batter on top and use a knife or skewer to create beautiful swirls.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool completely before slicing into squares.

How to Serve and Store Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

These bars are ideal served chilled or at room temperature. Let them cool completely after baking, then slice into neat squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. The cheesecake layer firms up as it chills, making them perfect for serving at gatherings or wrapping up as edible gifts.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months this way. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temp for an hour.

This recipe yields about 16 brownie squares, making it a crowd-pleaser for small parties or family desserts.

What to Serve With Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies?

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

The creamy vanilla flavor pairs beautifully with the cocoa-rich brownie and tangy cheesecake.

Fresh Berries

Strawberries or raspberries add a tart freshness that complements the sweetness of the bars.

Hot Coffee or Espresso

The deep, roasted notes of coffee enhance the chocolate undertones of red velvet.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds lightness and balances the richness of the brownies.

Glass of Cold Milk

Simple and nostalgic, cold milk is a classic brownie pairing that never fails.

Chocolate Drizzle

Drizzle some melted dark or white chocolate over the top for a decorative and decadent touch.

Sparkling Wine

For a fancier gathering, a glass of bubbly adds contrast and elevates the dessert experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes! These brownies actually taste even better after chilling for a few hours. Make them a day in advance and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a 9×13-inch baking pan and increase the baking time slightly (around 35–40 minutes), checking for doneness with a toothpick.

What kind of food coloring should I use?

Gel food coloring is ideal because it’s more concentrated and gives a vibrant red hue without altering the batter’s consistency.

Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, they’re freezer-friendly. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Why did my cheesecake swirl sink?

This can happen if the batter is overmixed or the cheesecake layer is too heavy. Be gentle when swirling and avoid overblending the cream cheese mixture.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra vanilla or try a chocolate drizzle? Did you serve it with berries or go classic with just milk?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more dessert ideas and sweet inspiration on my Pinterest board!

Conclusion

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect fusion of two beloved desserts, delivering both beauty and bold flavor in every bite. Their marbled appearance makes them a visual standout, while the layers of rich cocoa and creamy cheesecake leave a lasting impression. Simple to make and even easier to love, this dessert is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 16 brownies

Print Recipe

Description

Decadent, show-stopping, and surprisingly easy to make, these Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies combine the best of both dessert worlds—fudgy red velvet base and swirled creamy cheesecake topping. They’re ideal for parties, holidays, or anytime you want a bakery-worthy treat at home. Perfect for dessert lovers looking for a quick breakfast idea, an easy dinner dessert, or a go-to crowd-pleaser. Great for all seasons and makes a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes, food ideas, and dessert boards.