Red velvet cheesecake brownies are the embodiment of dessert dreams—a luscious, rich treat that combines the best of both worlds. Imagine sinking your fork into a fudgy brownie with a vibrant red hue, only to discover a creamy cheesecake layer hiding inside, like a culinary surprise party for your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing you with hints of cocoa and cream cheese, promising an unforgettable flavor experience.

This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, or just because you deserve something sweet after a long day. I still remember the first time I made these brownies; my friends were floored by the visual appeal and the deliciousness that followed. It was chaotic laughter and spontaneous dance moves all around as we indulged in these heavenly bites together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These red velvet cheesecake brownies are easy to whip up, making them ideal for any home baker
- The flavor is a perfect blend of rich chocolate and tangy cream cheese
- Their stunning red color adds a festive touch to any gathering or celebration
- Versatile enough for parties or quiet nights in front of the TV with a fork directly from the pan!
I’ll never forget when I brought these brownies to a potluck; my friends devoured them in minutes and begged for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for ease of mixing and optimal creaminess in your brownies.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetener gives your brownies their signature sweetness; don’t skimp on it!
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; light or dark brown sugar works beautifully here.
Cocoa Powder: Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder to enhance that chocolatey flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sift it to avoid lumps in your batter.
Red Food Coloring: Gel coloring works best for an intense hue without altering the texture.
Eggs: Ensure they are fresh; they provide moisture and binding to your brownies.
Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for that dreamy cheesecake layer—no one likes lumpy filling!
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for enhancing flavors; pure vanilla extract will elevate your dessert.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds richness and tanginess to your cheesecake layer.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mixing the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix with granulated sugar until combined. Stir in cocoa powder until blended; this should smell heavenly!
Add Eggs and Food Coloring: Whisk in eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Add red food coloring until you achieve that beautiful crimson color.
Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour until just combined. Avoid over-mixing—this keeps your brownies nice and fudgy.
Create the Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Blend in sour cream until perfectly creamy—resist the urge to eat it straight!
Layering Time: Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan, then spread cheesecake mixture evenly on top. Finally, dollop remaining brownie batter over cheesecake layer, using a knife to create swirls.
Bake Away! Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until edges pull away from the pan. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter!
Now comes the hardest part: letting them cool before cutting into those irresistible squares! Enjoy each bite as you bask in brownie bliss!
You Must Know
- These red velvet cheesecake brownies combine the richness of chocolate and the tanginess of cream cheese, creating a dessert that’s irresistibly delicious
- The vibrant color and velvety texture make them a showstopper at any gathering
- Perfect for special occasions or just because you deserve a treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the brownie batter first, then make the cheesecake layer while it bakes for optimal timing. This way, everything comes together seamlessly without waiting around.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a different flavor twist or add chocolate chips for extra indulgence. Customize to suit your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently in the microwave for a warm, gooey treat that feels freshly baked.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly swirled cheesecake, use a toothpick to draw circles through the batter before baking
- Avoid overmixing the brownie batter to keep them fudgy and rich
- Always let brownies cool completely before cutting for clean edges and neat slices
Sharing these red velvet cheesecake brownies at my friend’s birthday party was a hit; everyone raved about them, and I ended up sharing my secret recipe!

FAQ
What makes red velvet cheesecake brownies different?
The combination of chocolatey brownie texture with creamy cheesecake gives unique flavors.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, mascarpone can provide a richer, creamier experience if preferred.
How can I prevent my brownies from being too dry?
Avoid overbaking and keep an eye on them as they cook; they should be slightly underdone.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies
Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies are an indulgent dessert that masterfully combines rich, fudgy brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer. The striking red hue and luscious flavors make these brownies a showstopper for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to cozy nights in. These delightful treats will surprise your taste buds and leave you craving more. Perfectly balanced between chocolatey sweetness and tangy creaminess, they are sure to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp red food coloring (gel)
- 3 large eggs (fresh)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter and mix in granulated sugar until combined. Stir in cocoa powder.
- Whisk in eggs one at a time, adding red food coloring until you achieve the desired hue.
- Gently fold in flour until just combined.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with brown sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Blend in sour cream until creamy.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, then spread the cheesecake mixture evenly on top. Dollop remaining brownie batter over cheesecake and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until edges pull away from the pan; a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.
- Allow to cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (60g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg






