If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich cocoa with luxurious cream cheese frosting vibes, the Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl Recipe is your new best friend. These brownies are irresistibly moist and tender, with the deep red color adding a dramatic pop to every bite, while the creamy vanilla cheesecake swirl weaves in luscious tang and sweetness that elevates them beyond ordinary treats. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or an indulgent weekend snack, this recipe will win hearts and disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is your first step toward brownie bliss. Each ingredient brings something unique — from the rich butter that creates a tender crumb, to the cream cheese that ensures a velvety swirl, every element plays a role in the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and that beautiful red velvet hue.
- 150 g unsalted butter: Provides moisture and richness for a tender brownie texture.
- 275 g caster sugar: Sweetens the brownies while helping achieve a light crumb.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic notes that complement both brownie and cheesecake layers.
- 1 tsp red food coloring: Gives the brownies their signature red velvet color.
- 4 medium eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add to the moistness and structure.
- 30 g cocoa powder: Offers a gentle cocoa flavor that balances the sweetness.
- 125 g plain flour: The base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar: Brightens the flavor and enhances the red color.
- 250 g full-fat cream cheese: Creates the creamy, smooth swirl that’s the star of the show.
- 75 g caster sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture perfectly.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Elevates the cheesecake filling with lovely fragrance.
- 1 egg yolk: Adds richness and helps the cheesecake mixture set beautifully.
How to Make Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (or 160°C fan). Line a 9×9-inch baking tin with parchment paper, ensuring you cover the sides. This simple prep ensures your brownies come out cleanly and helps with easy slicing later on.
Step 2: Make the Red Velvet Brownie Batter
Beat the unsalted butter and caster sugar together until smooth and creamy—this is your brownie base coming to life! Next, mix the vanilla extract and red food coloring into a paste, then add it into your butter and sugar mixture. Beat till it’s all beautifully blended. This step is where your brownies get their irresistible color and flavor foundation.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Dry Ingredients
One by one, add each egg to the mixture, beating well after each. This gradual addition helps keep your batter smooth. Then sift in the cocoa powder and plain flour, folding gently to combine—be careful not to overmix here, as you want tender, cakey brownies. Finally, stir in the white wine vinegar for that essential red velvet zing.
Step 4: Whisk the Vanilla Cheesecake Mixture
In a separate bowl, beat together the full-fat cream cheese, caster sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adding the egg yolk at this stage reinforces the creamy texture and ensures your cheesecake swirl holds perfectly while baking.
Step 5: Build Your Brownie and Cheesecake Layers
Pour about 90% of the brownie batter into your prepared tin and spread it evenly. Dollop your cheesecake mixture on top, then add the remaining brownie batter in small spoonfuls. Using a skewer or knife, swirl both batters together gently to create a stunning marbled effect that’s sure to dazzle.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tin in the oven and bake for 28 to 35 minutes. Your brownies are ready when the edges feel set but the center still jiggles slightly — that’s the sweet spot for gooey, soft brownies. Let them cool in the tin for 20 to 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries on top can add a beautiful contrast and complement the red velvet flavor. For an extra touch of indulgence, a drizzle of white chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of edible glitter will make your brownies party-ready.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance their richness. A fresh berry salad or mint leaves on the side can also refresh the palate and bring out the dessert’s fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut these Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl Recipe into bite-sized squares for cocktail parties or serve larger slabs with a side of warm berry compote for a decadent dessert plate. For gatherings, layering them in a trifle dish with whipped cream and berries creates an eye-catching centerpiece dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Keeping them sealed preserves their moist, tender texture and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them inside a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for a quick treat anytime.
Reheating
If you prefer warm brownies, gently microwave a single piece for about 15 to 20 seconds, or pop them in a low oven for 5–7 minutes. This warms the cheesecake swirl beautifully without drying out the brownie.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the cheesecake swirl?
While low-fat cream cheese is an option, the full-fat version gives the swirl its rich, creamy texture and taste, making your brownies irresistibly indulgent. For best results, stick to full-fat cream cheese.
Is it necessary to use red food coloring?
The red food coloring is traditional in red velvet recipes and gives these brownies their iconic color. Without it, you’ll have delicious brownies, but they will lack that vibrant red hue that makes this recipe so special.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
Look for set edges with a slightly jiggly center. Overbaking will make them dry, so it’s better to err on the side of a little underdone in the middle to keep them moist and fudgy.
Can I use chocolate chips or nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips swirled in with the batter or chopped nuts sprinkled on top before baking can add extra texture and depth of flavor. Just be cautious not to overpower the delicate balance of the cheesecake swirl.
What’s the role of white wine vinegar in this recipe?
The vinegar reacts with the cocoa powder and enhances the red color, plus it adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness and complements the cream cheese swirl beautifully.
Final Thoughts
You’re just a few steps away from enjoying these deliciously rich and visually stunning Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl Recipe. Trust me, once you taste this perfect marriage of tender cocoa brownie and creamy cheesy swirls, it’ll become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
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Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
These Red Velvet Brownies with Vanilla Cheesecake Swirl combine the rich, chocolatey goodness of red velvet brownies with a creamy vanilla cheesecake swirl for a visually stunning and decadently delicious dessert. Perfectly moist and fudgy with a tangy cheesecake contrast, this recipe yields 16 servings and is ideal for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 275 g caster sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp red food coloring
- 4 medium eggs
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 125 g plain flour
- 1 tsp white wine vinegar
Cheesecake Swirl
- 250 g full-fat cream cheese
- 75 g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan). Line a 9×9-inch square baking tin with parchment paper, ensuring it covers the sides for easy removal of the brownies after baking.
- Make Brownie Base: In a large bowl, beat together the unsalted butter and caster sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Mix the vanilla extract and red food coloring together to form a paste, then beat this into the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add Eggs and Dry Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure even incorporation. Sift the cocoa powder and plain flour into the bowl and gently fold them in until just combined. Stir in the white wine vinegar gently to avoid overmixing and maintain a light batter.
- Prepare Cheesecake Swirl Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the full-fat cream cheese, caster sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Add the egg yolk and mix again until the mixture is fully combined and silky.
- Assemble Brownies: Pour about 90% of the brownie batter into the prepared baking tin, spreading it out evenly. Dollop the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, then add the remaining brownie batter in dollops on top. Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the brownie and cheesecake batters together to create an attractive marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the baking tin in the preheated oven and bake for 28 to 35 minutes. The brownies are done when the edges appear set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the tin for 20 to 30 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep brownies tender and fudgy.
- The slight jiggle in the center after baking ensures a soft, moist texture inside.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture in the cheesecake swirl.
- Allow brownies to cool completely for clean, neat slices.
- If red food coloring is unavailable, use gel food coloring for vibrant color without altering batter consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
